Organization: Department of Speech and Hearing, SDM COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES & HOSPITAL
Title: WORLD HEARING DAY 2026
Al title (for format and translation – not permanent:
World Hearing Day 2026
Description:
The department of Speech and Hearing in association with the National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit of SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, a constituent unit of the Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University (SDMU), Dharwad, Karnataka, INDIA. The initiative was undertaken as a part of the World Hearing Day 2026 event with the primary objective of promoting early identification of hearing and otological disorders and creating awareness about hearing health among school children, teachers, parents, and the rural community.
Our programs aimed to emphasize the importance of timely detection, appropriate intervention, and effective management of hearing-related conditions in order to enhance communication abilities, educational participation, and overall quality of life among children. Special focus was placed on sensitizing stakeholders to the impact of untreated hearing loss on speech, language, social interaction, and academic performance.
The screening camps were conducted among school children across different age groups using standardized hearing screening protocols. Assessments were carried out in relatively quiet environments to ensure reliable and accurate screening outcomes. The screening process facilitated the identification of children with possible hearing and ear-related problems, including mild to moderate hearing loss, impacted cerumen (earwax), and suspected outer and middle ear pathologies. Children who did not pass the screening were counseled and referred to SDM Hospital, Dharwad, for detailed audiological and medical evaluation, diagnosis, and further management.
Alongside the screening activities, comprehensive awareness sessions were conducted for school children, teachers, and members of the rural community. The sessions focused on educating participants about the importance of early identification of hearing impairment and the consequences of delayed diagnosis on speech, language acquisition, communication skills, and academic achievement. Information was also provided regarding common causes of hearing loss in children, including ear infections, congenital conditions, hereditary factors, and prolonged exposure to high-intensity sounds.
The awareness program further highlighted the importance of early intervention and rehabilitation services for children with hearing impairment. Participants were informed about available management options such as medical treatment, hearing aids, audiological rehabilitation, and speech and language therapy. Emphasis was placed on the role of family, teachers, and healthcare professionals in supporting the communication and educational needs of children with hearing difficulties. Our students and NSS volunteers conducted a door-to-door campaign to promote and address hearing and otological well-being to the rural community dwellers.
Teachers were additionally oriented on classroom-based management strategies to facilitate better learning outcomes for children with hearing impairment. Practical recommendations included providing preferential seating near the teacher, maintaining clear and slow speech, reducing background noise within the classroom, ensuring face-to-face communication, and incorporating visual aids and demonstrations during teaching. These strategies were discussed to promote inclusive education and improve classroom participation and comprehension among children with hearing challenges.
The program served as an important community outreach initiative in improving awareness regarding hearing health and ensuring access to early screening and referral services in underserved rural populations. It also reinforced the commitment of the institution towards preventive healthcare, early intervention, and community-based rehabilitation services for children with hearing and communication disorders.
Primary site: SEAR- India
Region: SEAR
Impactful Story:
Jahanvi, a teenage girl from remote village near Dharmasthala, Karnataka, lived with bilateral moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss. Bright and determined despite poverty, limited awareness, and unavailable services, she depended on lip reading, while only a few teachers understood her struggles. A pre-black belt in Karate, she won state and national accolades. During a rural outreach program, audiologists from SDM Medical College, Dharwad counseled her parents and teachers, seeking support from Shri D. Veerendra Heggadeji. She received free advanced bilateral multichannel digital hearing aids and therapy, transforming classroom learning, online participation, academics, and extracurricular achievements with confidence, independence, and happiness.
General Photos
NEWS PAPER ARTICLE ABOUT WORLD HEARING DAY EVENTS
FREE EAR & HEARING SCREENING FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN
HEARING AWARENESS PROGRAM FOR SCHOOL TEACHERS
HEARING AWARENESS PROGRAM FOR PUBLIC – Door-to-Door Campaign
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, migrants or refugees, rural or remote population
Met with individual policymaker: Yes
Participation of policy makers: Yes
Participation of influencers: No
WHO technical tool used: Yes
WHO educational and social media used: No