The Association of OtoLaryngologists of India (AOI) West Bengal Press ReleaseWorld Deaf Week 2026
Ambar Bhattacharya, Takmaa News, Kolkata, 20th Sept 2026 : Every year, in the period of 21th to 27th September is celebrated as World Deaf Week, with the final Sunday of the week observed as World Deaf Day. On this occasion, the Association of Otolaryngologists of India (AOI), Kolkata, is taking the initiative to create awareness about hearing loss, its early detection, prevention, and timely treatment.
Hearing is fundamental to communication, education, professional development, and social participation. Dr. Utpal Jana , Immediate Past President of AOI, West Bengal, said, “Hearing loss is often silent and invisible, but its consequences are profound. Early detection, especially in children, can change the entire course of a person’s life. However, the reality is that hearing loss often remains unnoticed or untreated, particularly among children.”
“Early detection can make a life-changing difference,” said Dr. Dwaipayan Mukherjee , Immediate National Past President of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India (AOI). According to Dr. Mukherjee, in children, hearing assessment at birth and during early childhood is essential because undetected hearing loss can adversely affect speech, language, and academic development. In adults and the elderly, timely evaluation can prevent communication difficulties, social isolation, and loss of quality of life.
Dr. Shuvendu kar , President Elect AOI WB, has said that AOI, West Bengal, urges the public to be cautious about excessive exposure to loud music, headphones, traffic noise, industrial noise, and firecrackers. Noise-induced hearing loss is largely preventable. People should avoid listening at unnecessarily high volumes and use appropriate hearing protection in noisy environments.
Dr. Ajoy Khawas , Secretary, AOI West Bengal, said, “We also wish to dispel the stigma associated with hearing aids and hearing rehabilitation. A hearing aid is not a sign of weakness or ageing; it is a bridge to communication, confidence, and a better quality of life.” It is a tool that helps people reconnect with family, society, and everyday life. Modern hearing solutions like cochlear implants and other rehabilitation options have transformed the lives of many individuals with significant hearing impairment.
On behalf of AOI West Bengal, Dr. Soumendra Nath Bandopadhyay appealed to parents not to ignore signs such as a child not responding to sound, delayed speech, frequently asking for repetition, or increasing the television volume. Similarly, adults experiencing difficulty hearing conversations, especially in noisy surroundings, should seek an ENT specialist’s evaluation rather than simply accepting hearing loss as a normal part of ageing.
From AOI, it has been announced that the main day-long programme for World Deaf Week will be held tomorrow, 21st September, Sunday, at the IMA Building, Chandannagar, Hooghly. The programme will begin with a ‘Walk for the Deaf’ and will continue with felicitation of socially established deaf persons, hearing aid distribution, and presentations by deaf students.
