Entod Pharmaceuticals has launched a week-long campaign National Hearing Week from 3rd to 8th March, 2025 with the theme of Hear Their World: Early Detection, Early Action. The initiative has been taken in collaboration with Matanand Welfare Foundation which aims to raise awareness about hearing health in children, encourage early detection of hearing issues, and promote preventive care with #HarBacchaSunega.
Despite progress in healthcare, hearing disability remains a significant concern. Globally, 466 million people suffer from disabling hearing loss, including 34 million children. In India, the Census of 2011 reported that 5.73 million individuals face hearing impairments, with 1.98 million experiencing speech difficulties. Among children aged 0-6 years, 23% have hearing disabilities, while 9% live with multiple disabilities. Additionally, 20% of individuals aged 0 to 19 years experience some degree of hearing impairment. Data from the Sample Registration Survey (SRS) 2018 indicates that children aged 0-14 years make up 25.9% of the population, reinforcing concerns that India has one of the largest populations of children with hearing disabilities worldwide. Many children either remain out of school or struggle academically due to undiagnosed and untreated hearing loss.
Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, Entod will collaborate with over 3,500+ ENT doctors, setting up 6,000+ free hearing check-up camps across government schools, hospitals, and clinics in key cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Patna, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. The campaign #HarBacchaSunega will also include patient education sessions with leading ENT specialists, helping parents identify early signs of hearing impairment and explore available treatment options. A team of 8,000+ volunteers and healthcare professionals will support the initiative, ensuring that thousands of children receive essential hearing screenings and care.
Nikkhil K Masurkar, CEO, Entod Pharmaceuticals said, “Hearing loss in children often goes unnoticed, affecting their speech, learning, and overall development. Unfortunately, many parents only realize the issue when it starts impacting their child’s education or social interactions. Through the National Hearing Week which we are organising in collaboration with Matanand Foundation, we aim to increase awareness, encourage routine hearing check-ups, and promote early intervention. Young parents, in particular, need to be proactive from the start; regular hearing screenings should be as common as vaccinations. We want to ensure that every child gets the opportunity to grow without the burden of untreated hearing loss. Early action can prevent complications, improve learning outcomes, and enhance the quality of life. Our goal is to reach thousands of families across India and make a measurable impact in children's hearing health.”
Adding his thoughts, Dr Meenesh R Juvekar, M.S. ENT (Ear and Cochlear Implant), consultant - Bombay Hospital and Research Centre (Mumbai), director - Juvekars Nursing Home, Mumbai noted, “Hearing loss in children is often overlooked until it begins to interfere with speech and learning. However, the right interventions at the right time can make a huge difference. Parents should watch for signs like delayed speech, frequent inattentiveness, or difficulty in following conversations. Simple solutions like using ear protection in noisy environments, treating infections early, and regular hearing tests can go a long way. For children with mild to moderate hearing issues, early use of hearing aids or speech therapy can significantly improve their development. Through this campaign, we hope to empower parents with the right knowledge and ensure that more children receive timely care.”
The National Hearing Week will serve as a reminder that hearing health should not be neglected. By enabling access to free screenings and expert guidance, Entod aims to create a lasting impact on children's auditory health nationwide.