It’s estimated that hearing impairment affects some 70 million people worldwide, with an estimated 80% of these individuals living in developing countries, such as India. Many of these sufferers go without help and experience a significantly diminished quality of life due to their disability.

For many international organisations looking to help, awareness, education and prevention is key.

There are 3 million deaf children in India, with 25,000 more children being born deaf each year. Many of these children are born into poorer and impoverished families, so they don’t have the support they need to overcome their disability.

Fortunately, there are a number of aid organisations raising awareness of this epidemic. Many non profit groups are supporting children in India who are suffering from hearing loss by helping them find access to implants and hearing aids as well providing facilities to teach sign language and the use of technology to help deaf children in India work with their disability.

Deafness in India can be particularly challenging as there are 38 recognised languages spoken throughout the nation. As a result, deaf individuals rely on body language and a type of sign language to communicate - but this can lead to substantial inaccuracy and miscommunications. At present, a national sign language is being developed based on Hindi, but adaptation and education is paramount to its success.

By supporting some of these valuable projects, you’re giving millions of children in India the chance of a lifetime.

Project Deaf India - started by Dr Raj Desai, Project Deaf India was started in 1999, inspired by his daughter who had been born deaf. While he was establishing the project, Dr Desai learned of a “Silent Village” in India, where 20-30% of residents suffered from hearing loss. Project Deaf India is committed to promoting early detection and prevention of deafness.

Deafchild Worldwide - the international agency of the National Deaf Children’s Society, Deaf Child Worldwide works out of the UK to help deaf children in developing nations, including India, achieve in their societies. Much of their work involves giving disabled children access to education and employment opportunities.

The Deaf Way Foundation - a voluntary organisation working in India, the Deaf Way Foundation works to give the deaf population of India an equal chance to socially succeed. They provide education and support services, such as interpretation and sign language classes to empower deaf individuals.

Meanwhile, a number of technical solutions are now available, with 15 centres that now offer cochlear implantation throughout the country. Ear Implants and hearing aids have been made available and have been making an important difference to the lifestyle of the hearing impaired - helping them to emerge from the silence.

Cochlear India is the manufacturer and supplier of revolutionary cochlear implants - giving those that suffer from hearing loss the chance of a lifetime. Find out more from their website.