Invisible Disability

🌺”Hearing Loss is a different kind of a silence..one that can be filled with frustration and loneliness”.

🌺Hearing loss has often been referred to as an ‘invisible disability.’
There are about 4 – 5 per 1000 newborns detected with hearing impairment as per various data. Hearing is the key for learning spoken language, performing academically and engaging socially. Around 20 – 30 % of children with moderate to profound hearing loss can be missed till 3-4 years of age.

🌺 Universal NHS is taken up in only 40% of the medical colleges in India. Various constraints right from lack of awareness and initiative at the level of the caregiver and parents to limitations in existing infrastructure to execute the screening programs remains a major drawback in our country.

🌺IAP Mumbai took its first small step to bring a change for this major disability by kickstarting it’s Newborn Hearing Screening Program at the Sir JJ group of hospitals, Mumbai. In colloboration with VConnect Foundation, IAP Mumbai has committed to Universal Screening of all normal and high risk newborns for a period of 6 months to begin with, commencing from January 2, 2024.

🌺We express special thanks to Dr Bela Verma, HOD Pediatrics, Sir JJ group of hospitals to help us coordinate this program.

🌺Team IAP Mumbai 🌺