Kolkata: In observance of International Week of the Deaf (September 22–28, 2025), the Association of Otolaryngologists of India (AOI) organized a press conference at the Kolkata Press Club to raise awareness about hearing-related issues and disabilities. The theme for this year’s campaign is: “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 1.5 billion people worldwide live with some degree of hearing loss, a number expected to rise to 2.5 billion by 2050. Globally, 34 million children have significant hearing impairment, and 60% of these cases could have been prevented with proper awareness.
During the event, AOI officials highlighted common causes and preventive measures for hearing loss:
- Excessive headphone use: Dr. Dwaipayan Mukherjee, AOI All India President, recommended limiting continuous headphone use to less than two hours at volumes below 50 decibels.
- Loud festival noise: Firecrackers during Durga Puja and Kali Puja can cause severe hearing damage.
- Ear infections and water exposure: Repeated infections can lead to impairment; Dr. Utpal Jana, AOI West Bengal Chapter President, stressed the importance of consulting ENT specialists.
Early detection and treatment were emphasized as crucial. Dr. Ajay Khawas noted that interventions like hearing aids or cochlear implants can significantly improve quality of life, especially in newborns. Dr. Soumendranath Bandopadhyay added that using hearing aids appropriately allows individuals to lead normal, active lives.
While medical technology has advanced, AOI officials stressed that public awareness on hearing health remains low, and ongoing campaigns are vital to prevent hearing impairment and promote early intervention.
