Organization: Swarsangya Charitable Trust
Title: World Hearing Day 2026: From Communities to Classrooms – No Child Left Behind in Hearing Care from Newborn to Anganwadi
Al title (for format and translation – not permanent:
World Hearing Day 2026: From communities to classrooms – no child left behind in hearing care from newborn to Anganwadi
Description:
Swarsangya Charitable Trust organized a comprehensive World Hearing Day 2026 initiative in Surat, India, aligned with the WHO theme “From Communities to Classrooms: Hearing Care for All Children.” The program focused on early identification and prevention of hearing loss among newborns, infants, and pre-school children, especially those attending Anganwadi centers and belonging to vulnerable and malnourished populations.
The activities included hospital-based newborn hearing screening using standard OAE procedures, as well as community-based hearing screening camps for infants and young children. Special attention was given to children at risk due to prematurity, low birth weight, malnutrition, and delayed developmental milestones. Suspected cases were identified and referred for further diagnostic evaluation and early intervention.
In addition, complete blood investigations and pediatric consultations were provided alongside comprehensive audiological assessments, ensuring a holistic approach to early detection, diagnosis, and intervention for children at risk.
Awareness sessions were conducted for parents, caregivers, and Anganwadi workers, focusing on early signs of hearing loss, speech and language development milestones, and the importance of nutrition in child development, including hearing health. Practical guidance was provided to promote timely care-seeking behavior.
The initiative also included community outreach and public awareness efforts through interpersonal communication and local engagement. Information was shared in simple and accessible language to ensure understanding across diverse socio-economic groups.
The program aimed to strengthen the integration of hearing care into early childhood services and promote a community-based approach, ensuring that no child is left behind due to undetected hearing loss. Through this initiative, Swarsangya Charitable Trust contributed to improving awareness, expanding early screening coverage, and supporting inclusive hearing care for all children.
Primary site: SEAR- India
Region: SEAR
Secondary sites:Surat Gujarat India
Impactful Story:
During the World Hearing Day initiative, several Anganwadi children were identified with malnutrition, low weight, and delayed developmental milestones, including speech, language, hearing, and balance difficulties. Many had impacted ear wax and suspected cochlear dysfunction linked to nutritional deficiencies. Although these conditions can be assessed and managed, lack of awareness and limited screening capacity often act as major barriers. Through integrated hearing screening, audiological assessment, blood investigations, and pediatric consultation, these hidden issues were detected early. Parents received counselling on nutrition, ear care, and early intervention, giving children a critical opportunity for improved development and communication outcomes.
General Photos
Hearing screening of malnourished child with mother
Child hearing screening using portable device
Community hearing care with pediatrician and audiologist
Clinical assessment of child with caregiver support
Types of Engagement:
Live event: Yes
Screening: Yes
Traditional media: Yes
Social media: Yes
Special needs populations: persons with disabilities (including hearing loss), children and adolescents
Met with individual policymaker: No
Participation of policy makers: No
Participation of influencers: No
WHO technical tool used: No
WHO educational and social media used: No