Before the 2000s, very few newborns in India were tested for hearing loss. Most children with hearing impairment were not diagnosed until school age—by which time speech and language delays had already set in. But with growing awareness and medical advances, India is beginning to recognize the critical importance of newborn hearing screening, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to hear, learn, and thrive.
However, much like in other countries, this progress is fragile. Without continued government support, advocacy, and funding, thousands of Indian babies could again be at risk of delayed diagnosis and lifelong challenges.
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Advocating for Early Hearing Detection
The movement for universal newborn hearing screening began gaining momentum in India in the early 2000s, inspired by similar public health efforts abroad. Recognizing the lifelong impact of undiagnosed hearing loss, the Government of India, through programs such as the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) and National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD), began introducing systematic hearing screening at birth.
These initiatives focus on early detection and intervention—so that if hearing loss is identified, families can immediately access support such as diagnostic testing, hearing aids, or cochlear implants.
“Hearing screening for newborns is not just a medical procedure—it’s a foundation for a child’s future,” says Vilas Rathod, Clinical Audiologist at VR Speech and Hearing Clinic. “When we detect hearing loss within the first few months of life, we can start intervention early, often before speech development is delayed. This makes a world of difference.”
Why Early Detection Matters
Globally, around 1 in 500 babies are born with some degree of hearing loss. In India, the numbers are even higher due to factors such as untreated infections, lack of prenatal care, and limited awareness.
Hearing loss is one of the most common congenital conditions, but also one of the most treatable—if detected early. Without early screening, many children remain undiagnosed until parents notice speech delays or social withdrawal, often around 2–3 years of age. By then, crucial stages of brain and language development have already passed.
Early screening ensures:
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Timely diagnosis before 3 months of age
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Early fitting of hearing aids or cochlear implants
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Enrollment in speech therapy and special education if needed
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Better chances for normal speech, communication, and learning
How India Is Progressing
Thanks to growing advocacy, newborn hearing screening is now included in several major hospitals across India—both government and private. States such as Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Kerala have made significant strides, introducing universal screening in district hospitals.
For example:
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Tamil Nadu was among the first states to include hearing screening in its routine newborn check-ups under the RBSK.
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Maharashtra have partnered with audiology centers and private clinics like VR Speech and Hearing Clinic to ensure access to diagnostic and rehabilitation services.
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AIISH (All India Institute of Speech and Hearing) in Mysuru continues to lead research and training on newborn hearing detection and early intervention.
But despite these advancements, many rural hospitals still lack equipment, trained audiologists, or follow-up systems, leaving thousands of children undiagnosed each year.
What Newborn Screening Programs Do
Newborn hearing screening programs serve three key goals:
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Support Data Systems: Help hospitals and state health departments maintain digital records to track screening outcomes and follow-up.
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Provide Access and Grants: Offer equipment, training, and financial aid to hospitals and clinics implementing screening services.
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Encourage Research: Promote ongoing hearing health research through institutions like AIISH, AYJNISHD, and medical colleges nationwide.
When these systems work together, early hearing detection can transform lives—preventing speech delays, improving education outcomes, and fostering inclusion.
The Need for Continued Support
Unfortunately, many hospitals and state programs still depend on short-term funding or private donations. Without consistent government backing, India risks widening the gap between urban and rural care.
If funding and policy support decline, states may struggle to maintain screening coverage, equipment calibration, and data tracking. This would return us to a patchwork system where only urban or well-off families can afford early detection—while millions of rural infants remain undiagnosed.