SHRUTI – The Sound of Silence
Launched in August 2023, "SHRUTI – The Sound of Silence" is a pioneering initiative by Aaina in collaboration with SAMBHAV. The project is dedicated to addressing hearing impairments across rural areas in the districts of Ganjam (Bhanjanagar and Belaguntha blocks) and Nayagarh (Odagaon and Nuagaon blocks) in Odisha.
Through a mobile screening van, SHRUTI brings essential hearing loss screening services directly to underserved communities, reaching both children and adults. In its first year, the project has successfully visited 160 villages and schools, screening over 4,500 individuals for hearing-related issues.
Supported by the Sneha Support Foundation INC, SHRUTI has gained recognition as the only initiative of its kind in the region, receiving acclaim from both the public and government authorities. Its focus on early identification, diagnosis, and the provision of hearing aids helps prevent avoidable hearing loss, offering crucial support to vulnerable populations.
Objectives of the Programme:
- Prevent Hearing Loss: Raise awareness to prevent avoidable hearing loss caused by disease or injury through sessions in schools and villages.
- Early Identification: Conduct hearing assessments at schools and in communities to ensure early identification, diagnosis, and referral for hearing loss and deafness.
- Hearing Aid Provision: Provide hearing aids and link individuals with various government schemes and services for better communication support.
Major Activities:
- Hearing assessments in schools and villages
- Awareness sessions at the community and school levels
- Personalized home interventions by special educators and field coordinators
- Provision of hearing aids for identified individuals with hearing impairments
- Schematic linkages to ensure access to relevant services
- Referral services for advanced medical care
- ENT camps at the Gram Panchayat (GP) level