JAMMU: AIIMS Jammu on Tuesday marked World Hearing Day by organising a general awareness programme in its OPD Block, aiming to sensitise patients and attendants about ear diseases, hearing loss, and the advanced treatment facilities available at the institute.
The programme was conducted under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) D.N. Sharma, Executive Director & CEO, and Prof. (Dr.) Meeta Gupta, Dean (Academics) and Medical Superintendent, who reiterated the institute’s commitment to strengthening comprehensive ear and hearing care services for the community.
The initiative was led by the Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) – Head & Neck Surgery, with participation from faculty members, resident doctors, audiologists, and nursing staff.
Addressing attendees, doctors highlighted the critical importance of early screening and timely intervention, especially among children. The institute is actively implementing a Newborn Hearing Screening Programme to detect hearing impairment at birth. Early diagnosis, experts said, ensures timely intervention and supports normal speech, language development, and overall growth milestones.
The institute is equipped with advanced diagnostic and therapeutic facilities to manage a wide range of hearing-related disorders. It is successfully conducting Cochlear Implant surgeries for children born with profound hearing loss and for adults who have completely lost their hearing, significantly restoring auditory function and improving quality of life.
Comprehensive treatment services are also available for Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM), Acute Suppurative Otitis Media (ASOM), and other middle ear conditions. Doctors further drew attention to the rising incidence of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL), describing it as a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment for better recovery outcomes. The public was advised not to ignore sudden hearing loss and to seek prompt medical care.
As part of the awareness drive, the department shared important public health advisories. People were encouraged to maintain proper nasal hygiene, ensure adequate hydration in children, practice safe ear care by gently cleaning only the outer ear, maintain a balanced diet, and consult doctors promptly for persistent ENT symptoms.
The public was cautioned against inserting sharp objects into the ears, excessive use of earphones and prolonged mobile phone usage, attempting home-based earwax removal, and frequent consumption of junk food that may aggravate ENT-related problems.
On the occasion, the institute appealed to the public to prioritise hearing health through regular check-ups, safe listening practices, and early medical consultation. Observing World Hearing Day serves as a reminder that many causes of hearing loss are preventable or treatable if addressed at an early stage.
Under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) D.N. Sharma, the institute reaffirmed its dedication to promoting awareness, early detection, and comprehensive management of hearing disorders in the region.
