Organization: Indira Gandhi Medical College Shimla
Title: Embedding Childhood Hearing Care within School Health Systems: A Practical Demonstration Model
Al title (for format and translation – not permanent:
Embedding childhood hearing care within school health systems: a practical demonstration model
Description:
In observance of World Hearing Day 2026, a series of coordinated activities were organized in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, under the theme “Embedding Childhood Hearing Care within School Health Systems: A Practical Demonstration Model.” The initiative aimed to strengthen awareness, early identification, and referral for childhood hearing problems by engaging schools, families, health workers, and local stakeholders through a school-centered approach.
The program was conducted in collaboration with participating schools and local health personnel, focusing on integrating hearing health into existing school health practices. Activities began with interactive classroom sessions for school-age children using WHO educational materials. These sessions introduced children to the importance of hearing health, safe listening practices, and basic ear care. Students actively participated in discussions and awareness exercises designed to promote healthy listening habits and encourage early reporting of hearing concerns.
Basic ear and hearing screening activities were carried out for participating students by trained health professionals. Children identified with possible hearing concerns were guided toward appropriate referral pathways for further evaluation. This early identification component helped highlight the importance of routine hearing checks within school settings.
Teachers were engaged through a focused orientation session that addressed early classroom signs of hearing difficulties and practical strategies for supporting students who may experience hearing challenges. The session emphasized the role of teachers as frontline observers who can help facilitate early recognition and referral.
Parent engagement was another important component of the initiative. A brief awareness meeting was conducted to inform parents about early indicators of hearing problems, the importance of timely intervention, and available public health services. This interaction encouraged families to support follow-up care where needed.
Health workers involved in school health services also participated in a short training session to strengthen referral linkages between schools and primary healthcare facilities. This helped reinforce coordination between the education and health sectors.
In addition, a dialogue session was held with school administrators and local stakeholders to highlight the value of integrating hearing awareness and early identification within routine school health activities. The discussion emphasized the potential for scaling similar initiatives across other schools in the region.
Overall, the activities successfully reached students, teachers, parents, and health workers, promoting greater awareness of childhood hearing health and strengthening local capacity for early detection and response. The initiative demonstrated that simple, low-cost actions within existing school health structures can contribute meaningfully to advancing equitable hearing care for children in hill-region settings such as Shimla.
Primary site: SEAR- India
Region: SEAR
Secondary sites:India
Impactful Story:
During the World Hearing Day activities in a government school in Shimla, a teacher suggested screening a student who often seemed to miss parts of classroom instructions. Using the WHO HearWHO app, a basic hearing screening was conducted at the school, which indicated a possible hearing concern. The child was advised to visit District Hospital Shimla for further evaluation. The parents appreciated receiving clear guidance, and the teacher shared that the activity helped them better understand how hearing difficulties can affect a child’s learning.
General Photos
Capacity Building Session for Teachers and Stakeholders
Training on WHO HearWHO Screening Application
School Awareness Session
School-Based Hearing Screening
Types of Engagement:
Live event: Yes
Screening: Yes
Traditional media: Yes
Social media: Yes
Special needs populations: children and adolescents
Met with individual policymaker: Yes
Participation of policy makers: Yes
Participation of influencers: Yes
WHO technical tool used: Yes
WHO educational and social media used: Yes