Organization: School of Rehabilitation & Behavioral Sciences, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (Deemed University), Puducherry
Title: World Hearing Day 2026 – Awareness rally, School camp, Scientific talk, Activities for Students
Al title (for format and translation – not permanent:
World Hearing Day 2026 – Awareness rally, school camp, scientific talk, activities for students
Description:
In recognition of this global initiative, the Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation and Behavioral Sciences, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (Deemed University) organized a series of activities to mark World Hearing Day 2026 and to spread awareness about hearing health among students and the general public. The celebrations aimed to highlight the importance of early screening, prevention of hearing loss, and the role of education in promoting ear and hearing care. The WHD’26 activities were organized by Dr. Kalaiyarasan R, and guided by Dr. Prajna Bhat, Dr. Arun Banik, Prof. N.D. Rajan.
The theme for World Hearing Day 2026 was “From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children.” This theme emphasizes the need to ensure that every child has access to hearing care services through community and school-based initiatives. Early identification of hearing problems plays a crucial role in a child’s speech, language development, learning ability, and social interaction. By strengthening awareness and screening programmes in schools and communities, children with hearing difficulties can be identified early and provided with timely support.
A school hearing screening camp was conducted on 3rd March 2026 for school students. The primary objective of this screening programme was to identify children who might have hearing difficulties and to emphasize the importance of early detection. By conducting hearing screening in schools, such conditions can be detected at an early stage and appropriate referrals can be made for further evaluation and management. The screening camp also served as an opportunity to educate students and teachers about maintaining good hearing health.
To extend the awareness beyond the school setting, a public awareness rally was organized with the active participation of students and faculty members at the beach. Participants carried placards and shared awareness messages related to hearing protection, early identification of hearing loss, and the importance of seeking timely hearing care. The rally helped in spreading awareness among members of the public and encouraged them to pay attention to ear and hearing health.
As part of the outreach activities, students also performed an awareness skit and dance programme. These performances were designed to creatively communicate messages about the causes of hearing loss, preventive measures, and the importance of hearing screening for children. The performances attracted public attention and helped deliver important health messages in an engaging and easily understandable manner.
In addition to community awareness activities, a scientific session was organized for students and professionals. The session was delivered by a renowned audiologist from India and focused on the importance of new-born hearing screening and school hearing screening.
To further involve students in the awareness campaign, several competitions were conducted for undergraduate (UG – BASLP) and postgraduate (PG – Audiology) students. These competitions included quiz, pencil sketch, and slogan writing, all centred around the theme of hearing health and the message of World Hearing Day 2026. The activities encouraged students to think creatively about hearing care and helped reinforce their understanding of the importance of ear and hearing health. Student participation also played a key role in spreading awareness among their peers and the wider community.
Overall, the World Hearing Day 2026 celebrations at our institute were successful in promoting awareness about hearing health and highlighting the importance of early screening and intervention for children. Through a combination of screening programmes, public outreach activities, scientific discussions, and student engagement initiatives, the programme effectively reflected the spirit of the global theme “From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children.”
These efforts contributed to strengthening awareness about hearing care and encouraged both students and the community to recognize the importance of protecting and preserving hearing health.
Primary site: SEAR- India
Region: SEAR
Impactful Story:
A vibrant hearing screening camp was held at a local school. Students lined up eagerly, curious about the tiny devices that could check their hearing. The camp wasn’t just about tests—it was about awareness. Children and teachers received pamphlets on aural hygiene. Several students were identified with potential hearing difficulties and referred for further evaluation, highlighting the power of early detection. Laughter, questions, and learning filled the room, reminding everyone that nurturing hearing health is a shared journey, starting right in schools. This initiative highlighted the transformative impact of proactive ear and hearing health awareness in school communities.
General Photos
LET NOT THE SILENCE, TAKE OVER YOUR CHILD!!!
SCREEN YOU CHILD’S EAR TODAY…SAVE THEIR FUTURE TOMORROW!!!
FROM HOMES TO SCHOOLS, LET OUR CHILDREN HEAR THE WORLD!!!
NO DREAM LEFT BEHIND, WHEN AUDIOLOGISTS BESIDES YOU!!!
Types of Engagement:
Live event: Yes
Screening: Yes
Traditional media: Yes
Social media: Yes
Special needs populations: children and adolescents
Met with individual policymaker: No
Participation of policy makers: No
Participation of influencers: No
WHO technical tool used: Yes
WHO educational and social media used: No