06th March 2026: ENTOD Pharmaceuticals is observing National Hearing Week from March 03 to 08, 2026, in collaboration with the Matanand Welfare Foundation. Now in its second edition, the campaign continues with the theme “Hear Their World: Early Detection, Early Action,” aiming to raise awareness about hearing health in children, encourage early diagnosis of hearing issues, and promote preventive care through the #HarBacchaSunega initiative. This year’s campaign aims to reach over 5 crore people across India through a combination of medical outreach and large-scale awareness initiatives.
Hearing disability remains a major public health concern in India. Nearly 4 in 1,000 newborns are affected by severe hearing loss, which can impact speech and learning if not detected early. According to the World Health Organization, around 63 million Indians (about 6.3% of the population) live with significant hearing impairment, underscoring the urgent need for early screening and intervention.
Dr. Renuka Bradoo, Head of ENT & Head and Neck Surgery at L.T.M. Medical College (Sion Hospital), Mumbai, said,“The first year of life is critical for brain and speech development. Early detection within 6–12 months can significantly improve language, cognitive, and social outcomes. Hearing loss in children often goes unnoticed until it begins to impact speech and academic performance. Many hearing-related issues can be effectively managed with timely screening and ENT consultation. Awareness initiatives like National Hearing Week play a crucial role in educating parents and encouraging proactive hearing health practices.”
As part of the campaign, ENTOD is collaborating with over 2,500 ENT specialists across India and conducting 2,000+ in-clinic hearing check-up camps, along with school-based screening programs and awareness sessions for parents and teachers. Community outreach initiatives such as rallies, walkathons, street plays, and radio awareness activities across 10 cities involving 30 leading ENT specialists are helping educate families about hearing health, early warning signs, and the importance of timely detection and treatment of hearing disorders.
The campaign also features expert conversations, including a Times Now TV interview with Dr. Renuka Bradoo, as well as a Radio City vodcast featuring Dr. Hetal Marfatia-Patel, where experts discuss hearing health challenges and preventive care.
Mr. Nikkhil K. Masurkar, CEO, ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, added, “Hearing loss in children is often detected only after it begins to affect their speech, education, and social confidence — by which time valuable developmental time may already be lost. Through the #HarBacchaSunega initiative, our goal is to drive nationwide awareness around early hearing screening and timely intervention. By working closely with ENT specialists, schools, and healthcare institutions, we aim to ensure that no child is left behind due to undiagnosed hearing loss”.
Last year’s inaugural National Hearing Week campaign witnessed a strong nationwide
response, reaching over 3 crore people across India through awareness activities and free hearing screening camps conducted across multiple cities. Building on this success, the 2026 edition aims to further expand its reach and strengthen awareness around early hearing care nationwide.
Through free screenings, expert guidance, and nationwide awareness initiatives, the campaign continues to reinforce the importance of early detection and preventive care, working toward a future where every child has the opportunity to hear and thrive.