Himalaya conducts hearing screening tests for poor kids

Mumbai: In an attempt to create awareness on neonatal hearing, Himalaya Drug Company conducted screening tests for 100 underprivileged children.

NGO Shabd and ENT specialist Sheelu Shrinivas also took part in the programme.

According to statistics, one in 1,000 babies are born with significant hearing impairment in India every year and in the absence of awareness and timely medical guidance, most of them grow up with hearing disability.

N V Chakravathi, General Manager, Himalaya BabyCare, said, "Kerala and Goa are the two states that have implemented universal newborn hearing screening programmes, and it is essential it is made mandatory across states in India.

"Early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing this second most common cause of disability, and to mitigate its social and developmental impact."

"Through this initiative, Himalaya BabyCare hopes to increase awareness on neonatal health, provide early treatment and enable a happy and healthy childhood," he said.

Srinivas, Consultant ENT Surgeon at Dr Sheelu's ENT Center, who supervised the hearing screening camp in Bengaluru, said at the time of birth it is critical to get hearing tested in maternity homes and follow the 0-3-6 months rule for neonatal screening.

"Zero is the screening which should be performed at the time of birth, three is definitive test and sixth month is the amplification test to decide the next course of therapy," she said.

As many as 100 underprivileged children were screened for hearing impairment in the camp.