Seminar Report on “Burden of Hearing Loss and Safe Listening”

Organized by: Kalpana Chawala Government Medical College, Karnal in collaboration with Sound Hearing 2030, AGSG Health Foundation and Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi

Date: 3rd October, 2025
Venue: Auditorium, Kalpana Chawala Government Medical College, Karnal

1. Introduction

The seminar on “Burden of Hearing Loss and Safe Listening” was organized at the Kalpana Chawala Government Medical College, Karnal in collaboration with Sound Hearing 2030 and Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi with the objective of enhancing awareness about hearing health, the growing burden of hearing loss, and preventive measures to promote safe listening practices. 🎧

The event brought together eminent experts, faculty members, students, and public health professionals to discuss strategies to mitigate the impact of hearing loss and strengthen community-based interventions.

2. Welcome Address

The session commenced with a warm Welcome of the Dignitaries and Guests by Dr. Vikas Dhillon, who extended heartfelt greetings to all participants and resource persons. He highlighted the importance of collaborative initiatives in addressing hearing health at institutional and community levels.

3. Opening Remarks

Dr. M.K. Garg, Director, Kalpana Chawala Government Medical College, Karnal, delivered the opening remarks. In his address, he emphasized the institute’s commitment to promoting public health education and preventive ear care. He also underscored the need for multidisciplinary approaches and youth engagement in hearing conservation efforts. 🌿

4. Introduction to the Seminar

Dr. Nitika Sharma provided an overview of the seminar objectives, emphasizing the global and national context of hearing loss, the role of early detection, and the necessity of promoting “safe listening” as part of healthy lifestyle practices. She outlined the day’s agenda and introduced the speakers.

5. Scientific Sessions

5.1 Burden of Hearing Loss

Speaker: Dr. Suneela Garg

Dr. Garg presented a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology and burden of hearing loss globally and in India. She discussed key risk factors, preventable causes, and the socioeconomic consequences of untreated hearing impairment. The talk highlighted the urgent need for policy integration, screening at primary levels, and awareness among healthcare professionals.

Delivered an insightful talk on the burden of hearing loss globally and in India.

Cited statistics showing rising cases due to environmental and recreational noise.

Called for stronger screening programs, community outreach, and policy involvement.

5.2 Safe Listening in Adolescents

Speaker: Dr. Uma Garg

Dr. Uma Garg focused on the increasing prevalence of hearing problems among adolescents due to unsafe listening habits such as prolonged headphone use and exposure to high-volume music. 🎵 She emphasized preventive strategies, school-based awareness, and parental guidance for promoting healthy hearing habits among youth.

5.3 Safe Listening: Principles and Practices

Speaker: Dr. Arun Kumar Agarwal

Dr. Agarwal elaborated on the WHO “Make Listening Safe” initiative, explaining safe decibel levels, exposure duration, and community interventions. He demonstrated how technology and behavioral change communication can help protect hearing health at individual and population levels.

Addressed the role of ototoxic medications, environmental factors, and behavioural patterns that exacerbate hearing loss.

Introduced the concept of “Auditory Detox” and its relevance in modern living.

International Telecom Union (ITU) Guidelines – Global Standards for sound levels.

Recommended:

60% maximum volume usage 🎧

Use of noise-cancelling headphones

Adherence to ITU (International Telecommunication Union) guidelines

Awareness of Sound Pressure Levels (SPL), particularly 120dB exposures and their risks.

5.4 Safe Listening in the Community

Speaker: Dr. Nitin Sharma

Dr. Sharma discussed community-level strategies for hearing conservation, including awareness drives, screening programs, and integration of ear and hearing care into primary health services. He highlighted successful models of community-based initiatives and the importance of intersectoral collaboration. 🤝

6. Undergraduate Quiz Session

Conducted by: Dr. Ravi Meher

He talked about Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL): Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a prevalent and irreversible condition caused by exposure to loud noises, either from a single intense sound or prolonged exposure to high sound levels over time. It typically results from damage to the hair cells in the cochlea, which is responsible for transmitting auditory signals to the brain.

Event Coordinators: Dr. Aarushi Vashisht and Dr. Nitika Sharma

9. Key Takeaways

Hearing loss is preventable with early detection and community awareness. 🩺

Safe listening practices should be promoted across schools, colleges, and workplaces.

Integration of hearing care into primary health services is essential.

Youth engagement and education play a vital role in behavior change.

Create awareness in the community by family adaptation programmes and field visits.