International conference on hearing health being held in Chennai

The Coalition of Global Hearing Health, an international network of clinicians, researchers, advocates, and persons with hearing loss, is holding its 16th international conference in Chennai, at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research. The conference is being held from October 9 to 11, with the theme: ‘Fostering Inclusiveness, Changing Mindsets’.Hearing loss affects far more Indians than most people realise, and yet, it remains largely invisible. India has roughly 1.25 lakh to 1.5 lakh children born every year with hearing loss. However, few of them receive the education and rehabilitation they need, with speech and auditory-verbal therapy largely confined to urban areas, while sign language education remains underfunded. Additionally, unsafe listening practices are contributing to hearing loss among young people.The conference will focus on screening to outcomes across the lifespan, community services, health systems, economics, clinical services, innovations, and low-cost tech, among other aspects.Darez Ahamed, Health Secretary, Tamil Nadu, was the chief guest at the inauguration of the conference, while Shelly Chadha, technical lead for ear and hearing care at the World Health Organization (WHO), was the guest of honour, the release said. Published - October 10, 2026 03:14 pm IST