Organization: Al Lisan Audiology And Speech Pathology Clinic
Title: Empowering young Years
Al title (for format and translation – not permanent:
Empowering young years
Description:
In observance of World Hearing Day 2026, the World Health Organization is proud to launch a comprehensive initiative centered on this year’s theme, which emphasizes the critical importance of hearing health within the educational and community landscape. This initiative is designed to address the global burden of unaddressed hearing loss through a multi-faceted approach that integrates clinical screening, academic engagement, and digital advocacy. By focusing on the school environment as a primary hub for intervention, we aim to ensure that every child possesses the auditory health necessary to succeed academically and socially, thereby fostering an inclusive future where hearing loss no longer serves as a barrier to personal development.
A central pillar of this activity plan is the implementation of systematic hearing screenings within primary schools to facilitate the early identification of ear diseases and hearing impairments. Recognizing that many children suffer from avoidable hearing loss that often goes undetected in a classroom setting, these screenings will utilize standardized audiometric protocols to evaluate students at the point of school entry. This clinical outreach will be supported by a robust referral pathway, ensuring that any student identified with a potential impairment is directed toward specialized audiological care and medical intervention. By bringing these services directly to the students, we reduce the logistical and financial barriers that frequently prevent families from seeking essential ear care.
Complementing the clinical screenings, the World Health Organization will conduct extensive awareness sessions tailored for students, educators, and parents alike. These sessions are intended to cultivate a “hearing-aware” culture by educating the school community on the signs of hearing loss, the importance of ear hygiene, and the prevention of noise-induced damage through the “Make Listening Safe” campaign. Educators will be trained to recognize behavioral indicators of hearing difficulty, such as academic underperformance or lack of focus, which are often misattributed to learning disabilities. This educational component serves to destigmatize the use of hearing aids and other assistive technologies, creating a more supportive and empathetic environment for children with hearing challenges.
To amplify the reach of these efforts beyond the classroom, a strategic social media campaign will be executed across all major platforms to engage the global public and policymakers. This digital advocacy will feature evidence-based infographics, expert-led webinars, and testimonials highlighting the transformative impact of early hearing intervention. By leveraging the power of social media, we aim to mobilize community support and advocate for the permanent integration of ear and hearing care into national school health policies. This holistic strategy ensures that the message of World Hearing Day resonates globally, driving collective action toward a world where hearing care is accessible, equitable, and prioritized for all.
Primary site: EMR – Pakistan
Region: EMR
General Photos
Types of Engagement:
Live event: Yes
Screening: Yes
Traditional media: Yes
Social media: Yes
Special needs populations:
Met with individual policymaker:
Participation of policy makers:
Participation of influencers: No
WHO technical tool used: No
WHO educational and social media used: Yes