To commemorate World Hearing Day 2026, the Cell for Persons with Disabilities at Lady Keane College, Shillong, in collaboration with the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness under the National Health Mission, Government of Meghalaya, organized an awareness programme on hearing loss today. The programme was held at the college auditorium with the objective of raising awareness about hearing health and preventing hearing loss.
This year, the United Nations theme for World Hearing Day is "From Communities to Classrooms: Hearing care for every child – Act now so no child is left behind due to ear or hearing problems."
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. H.W. Laloo, Senior Resident, Department of ENT, Shillong Medical College and State Nodal Officer, NPPCD, delivered a lecture highlighting that untreated hearing disorders can severely affect the quality of life.
He also emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, proper ear care, and avoiding exposure to loud sounds such as music through headphones, concerts, and loud parties.
Experts also cautioned that improper ear cleaning can lead to infections and even damage to the eardrum, while some hearing problems may also be congenital. They warned that over-the-counter purchase of medicines without proper diagnosis and directives from medical professionals, along with prolonged exposure to loud sound, can lead to irreversible hearing loss, while also cautioning against inserting sharp objects into the ear as improper cleaning may cause infections or perforation of the eardrum.
Talking to media persons, Dr. Howni Wothi Laloo, Senior Resident, Department of ENT, Shillong Medical College and State Nodal Officer, NPPCD, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, warned that indiscriminate self-medication and unsafe ear practices could aggravate underlying conditions and delay timely treatment.
Other members from the National Health Mission, Government of Meghalaya, present included Dr. Ruksana Nongrum, Department of ENT, Civil Hospital, Shillong; Eusebia Susngi, Audiologist and Speech Therapist, DEIC Ganesh Das Hospital, Shillong; Phiba Khymdeit, Audiologist and Speech Therapist, Civil Hospital, Shillong; Phiba Latam, Speech Instructor, Civil Hospital, Shillong; Rapsang Shylla, IEC Coordinator, NHM Meghalaya; and Marbudlang Mylliempdah, State Consultant, NPPCD. Members of the Cell for Persons with Disabilities present were Associate Professor Dr Clarissa Sawian, Associate Professor Dr Pynsakhiat Law, Associate Professor Donny D. Wahlang, Assistant Professor Dr Saint Quill N. Sangma, Assistant Professor Dr Bioletty M. Lawriniang, Assistant Professor Khraw Kupar Pyngrope, Assistant Professor Sumarlin Swer, Assistant Professor Janailin Warjri, and Associate Professor Beena J. Sawkmie, Convener.