New Born Screening (0-2 years)

According to the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD), India:

AApproximately 1 to 3 out of 1000 newborns are born with deafness.
According to recent studies, the incidence of bilateral permanent newborn and infant hearing loss in India is estimated to be between 1.5 to 6 per 1000 live births .
Approximately 6% of the population, or around 63 million people, suffer from hearing impairment.
The prevalence of hearing impairment is higher in rural areas (7.4%) compared to urban areas (4.6%).
The majority of hearing-impaired individuals (55.6%) are in the age group of 0-14 years.

Early detection and intervention are critical in addressing hearing impairment in babies, as it can significantly impact their language development, social skills, and overall quality of life.

VAANI Deaf Children's Foundation's Newborn Hearing Screening program is a comprehensive initiative aimed at detecting hearing impairments in newborns within 48-72 hours of birth. The program is designed to ensure that every newborn baby is screened for hearing impairments before discharge from the hospital. We carry out this program in collaboration with the NPPCD department and State Government Hospitals and Public Health Centres (PHCs). This is a free cost service provided to newborn babies and families.

Our comprehensive program includes:

Screening newborns for hearing impairments using advanced technology

Counselling mothers on ear hygiene and potential ear issues

Referring babies with hearing problems for confirmatory tests (BERA) and further habilitation

Providing hearing aids and guiding parents on government schemes, UDID cards, and cochlear implant schemes

Starting educational intervention as early as possible after detection of hearing loss

Collaborating with government hospitals to ensure universal newborn screening

VAANI's Newborn Hearing Screening program emphasizes the importance of early detection, timely diagnosis, and immediate intervention to ensure the best possible outcomes for children with hearing loss.

Key Milestones We Want To Achieve:

Screening: No later than 1 month of age.
Diagnosis: No later than 3 months of age.
Early Intervention: No later than 6 months of age.

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New Born Babies Reached

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Parents Counseled

The success of this program highlights the importance of collaboration between the government, NGOs, technical partners and other stakeholders in addressing critical health issues affecting children.

Currently, VAANI has established partnerships with government hospitals in Karnataka, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, and Maharashtra resulting in the establishment of 4 newborn screening centres. Through these centres, VAANI has successfully screened 35,000+ newborn babies for hearing loss. Additionally, VAANI has provided parent counselling to 35000+ mothers, focusing on the prevention of hearing loss and the importance of maintaining ear health.

Community Ear Screening (4+ years)

The Community Ear Screening Program is a key vertical under our health initiative, aimed at detecting hearing issues in children and adults aged 4 to 70 years.

The program is divided into three segments: 4 to 18 years, 18 to 40 years, and 40 to 70 years, ensuring comprehensive coverage across age groups.

We conduct these screenings in diverse settings, including schools, colleges, health camps, slums, villages, and institutions, utilizing advanced technology for accurate detection. If any hearing problems are identified, individuals are referred for further ENT consultations and audiological evaluations. This initiative plays a crucial role in raising awareness about hearing health and providing timely interventions for underserved communities.

This program is also paired with community awareness and sensitization efforts, where we educate participants on ear health, hearing loss prevention, and communication strategies for deaf individuals during the screenings.

This holistic approach helps raise awareness while ensuring timely medical intervention. VAANI Deaf Children's Foundation collaborates with various organizations and institutions to enhance the reach and impact of its Community Ear Screening Program

Ear Camps

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Stakeholders Reached

Key collaborators include

Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, and the Red Cross: These organizations support mobilizing resources, organizing screening camps, and raising awareness within their networks.
Educational Institutions: Schools and colleges serve as venues for screening and awareness sessions, enabling us to reach children and young adults.
Government Departments and Panchayats: Local government bodies and panchayats facilitate screenings in rural and underserved areas, helping us extend the program to villages and remote communities.
These collaborations enable VAANI to leverage local resources, increase community participation, and ensure comprehensive ear health services for diverse populations.

VAANI Deaf Children’s Foundation’s Health Program is committed to early identification, early intervention, and comprehensive support for children with hearing impairment.