International conference on hearing health being held in Chennai
Chennai is hosting the 16th international conference on hearing health, focusing on fostering inclusiveness and improving rehabilitation services. The event highlights the significant, often invisible, impact of hearing loss in India.
Why it matters
The conference addresses critical gaps in healthcare accessibility and the need for better integration of hearing-impaired individuals into society.
The Coalition of Global Hearing Health, an international network of clinicians, researchers, advocates, and persons with hearing loss, is holding its 16 th international conference in Chennai, at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research. The conference is being held from October 9 to 11, with the theme: ‘Fostering Inclusiveness, Changing Mindsets’.
Hearing loss affects far more Indians than most people realise, and yet, it remains largely invisible. India has roughly 1.25 lakh to 1.5 lakh children born every year with hearing loss. However, few of them receive the education and rehabilitation they need, with speech and auditory-verbal therapy largely confined to urban areas, while sign language education remains underfunded. Additionally, unsafe listening practices are contributing to hearing loss among young people.
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