Kerala to screen children aged under six for early detection of hearing impairment

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By Dileep V Kumar

Aug 11, 2024

Aiming to detect hearing impairment at an early stage, Kerala is set to embark on a comprehensive hearing screening program for all preschool children aged under six. 

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The ambitious project will be piloted in Thrissur district before being rolled out statewide.

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With hearing impairment being one of the most common sensory deficits, there are not enough systems in place to tackle the issue.

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Health experts and child development specialists have lauded the initiative, emphasising its potential to transform early childhood care in Kerala. 

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They believe that by investing in early intervention, the state can significantly reduce the impact of hearing loss on children’s lives.

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The initiative will involve a door-to-door screening process, leveraging the extensive network of JPHN, ASHA and Anganwadi workers. 

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The SID assessment of the pilot project in Thrissur will serve as a blueprint for the statewide implementation.

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