Jammu 03 March(KNB): AIIMS Jammu marked World Hearing Day by organising a general awareness programme in the OPD Block to sensitise patients and attendants about various 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, AIIMS Jammu, and Prof. (Dr.) Meeta Gupta, Dean (Academics) & Medical Superintendent, AIIMS Jammu, 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 – Head & Neck Surgery (ENT), with active participation from Dr. Darwin Kaushal (Additional Professor), Dr. Amardeep Singh (Associate Professor), Senior Residents Dr. Youshita Mahajan and Dr. Pooja Rani; Junior Residents Dr. Muskan Rao, Dr. Gunjan Lakhmani, Dr. Manish Kaur and Dr. Sai Gayatri; Audiologists Mr. Nityansh Saluja and Ms. Akshita Gupta; Mr. Reyaz Ahmed; along with the dedicated nursing staff.
During the programme, the team emphasised the critical importance of early screening and early intervention, particularly in children. AIIMS Jammu is actively running a Newborn Hearing Screening Programme, which plays a vital role in identifying hearing impairment at birth. Early detection ensures timely intervention, thereby supporting normal speech, language, and overall developmental milestones.
The institute is equipped with advanced diagnostic and therapeutic instruments for managing a wide range of hearing-related disorders. AIIMS Jammu is successfully performing Cochlear Implant surgeries for children born with profound hearing loss as well as for adults who have completely lost their hearing, thereby restoring auditory function and significantly enhancing 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. The team further highlighted the rising incidence of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL), a medical emergency in which immediate treatment greatly improves the chances of recovery. The public was strongly advised not to ignore sudden hearing loss and to seek urgent medical attention without delay.
As part of the awareness drive, the department shared important public health guidance. Individuals were encouraged to maintain proper nasal hygiene, ensure adequate hydration in children, practice safe ear care by cleaning only the outer ear gently, maintain a balanced diet, and seek timely medical consultation for persistent ENT-related symptoms. The public was cautioned against inserting sharp objects into the ear, excessive use of earphones and prolonged mobile phone usage, attempting home-based earwax removal, and frequent consumption of junk food that may aggravate ENT issues.
On the occasion of World Hearing Day, AIIMS Jammu appealed to the general public to prioritise hearing health through regular check-ups, safe listening habits, and early medical consultation. Hearing is fundamental to communication, education, social integration, and overall well-being. Observing World Hearing Day serves as an important 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, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Jammu, the institute remains dedicated to promoting awareness, early detection, and comprehensive management of hearing disorders, working towards a future where no individual is left behind due to preventable hearing loss. (KNB)