Organization: Hangzhou Ren-Ai Hearing Rehabilitation Research Center
Title: From Silence to Smiles: Every Child Deserves to Hear
Al title (for format and translation – not permanent:
From silence to smiles: Every child deserves to hear
Description:
In response to the 2026 World Hearing Day theme, “From Communities to Classrooms: Hearing Care for All Children,” Hangzhou Ren-Ai Hearing Rehabilitation Research Center and Huier Hearing jointly launch the “From Silence to Smiles: Every Child Deserves to Hear” initiative to advance equitable and accessible hearing care for children.
Nearly 100 million children and adolescents worldwide are affected by hearing loss, and most cases can be prevented or effectively managed through early detection and timely intervention. Prompt action is therefore essential. From March 1 to March 31, 2026, we will conduct a month-long series of activities across its national service centers, as well as in partner communities and schools. The initiative begins with “Little Ears, Big World,” which provides free hearing screenings to support early identification of hearing difficulties. “Choose Sound, Choose Future” offers individualized consultations with hearing care professionals and tailored intervention plans for families requiring further assessment or rehabilitation support. The program also features “From Silence to Smiles,” where families share personal rehabilitation experiences to encourage confidence and mutual support. In addition, “Back to Sound, Forward to Learning” focuses on delivering structured auditory and speech rehabilitation services for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Through coordinated support in educational settings, the program helps strengthen communication skills, facilitate classroom participation, and promote gradual integration into the wider community. By linking community-based screening with classroom inclusion, Huier Hearing seeks to ensure that no child is disadvantaged because of hearing challenges. Through early identification, professional guidance, and sustained follow-up, the initiative supports children in reconnecting with the world of sound, enabling them to develop, learn, and participate fully in society.
World Hearing Month Initiative
As part of World Hearing Month, our organization conducted extensive hearing health initiatives, reaching 168,439 individuals through free screenings. Of those screened, 11.27% (approximately 18,983 people) were diagnosed with some degree of hearing loss. Event Participation Breakdown (Staff Estimates):
Educational Outreach:
– 687 community lectures about hearing health and noise-induced hearing loss prevention were held across:
– Hospitals
– Community activity centers
– Aural rehabilitation institutions
– Public events organized by the Local Disabled Persons’ Federation
Support for Individuals with Hearing Loss:
– 5,639 hearing aids were donated to:
– Children with hearing loss
– Low-income families in need of assistance
Community-Based Services:
– House-call hearing care provided in 56 municipalities
– 6,830 on-site community hearing screenings conducted
This initiative successfully promoted hearing health awareness, provided critical screenings, and delivered essential support to those with hearing loss.
Primary site: WPR – China
Region: WPR
Impactful Story:
Wang Lu, from a remote mountainous area in Chun’an, Zhejiang Province, suffered profound sensorineural hearing loss due to an accidental medication reaction at the age of 2. Under the guidance of Professor Wang Yonghua from Huier Hearing, he received timely hearing aids and systematic speech rehabilitation training. With the aids’ help, he attended regular schools, overcame hearing inconveniences, was admitted to Tongji University through self-study and hard work, and later joined Huier, witnessing the importance of early ear problem identification and treatment.
General Photos
Help children learn knowledge about protecting their hearing
Theme Presentation of the Speech Training Department
Community Hearing Screening Activity
Hearing Screening in Special Education Schools
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, older adults, rural or remote population
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