Mangaluru: Father Muller Medical College Hospital inaugurated a Free Speech and Hearing Camp on September 21 as part of the observance of International Hearing-Impaired Week, offering assessment and specialised services for people with hearing, speech and swallowing difficulties.
The camp, organised by Father Muller College of Speech and Hearing, is being held from September 21 to 26, 2026, at OPD No. 67, Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Utility Block, Third Floor.
The inauguration was presided over by Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI). Dr Venkatesha B. M., Vice Dean, Father Muller Medical College and Professor, Department of Medicine, was the chief guest.
Focus on early assessment and accessible care
Speaking at the programme, Dr Venkatesha appreciated the initiative and described the camp as a valuable service for individuals experiencing hearing, speech and swallowing difficulties.
He said timely assessment, appropriate treatment and professional guidance can contribute to improving the quality of life of people affected by such conditions.
He also highlighted the provision of assessments and assistive devices at concessional rates, saying this could help make specialised care more accessible to the community.
Importance of hearing and communication
Addressing the gathering, Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo highlighted the importance of hearing and speech in effective human communication.
“Good communication requires good hearing and proper speech,” he said, stressing that difficulties with hearing or speech can affect a person’s ability to understand, express themselves and connect with others.
He said the ability to hear, speak and communicate remains important throughout life, from childhood to old age, enabling individuals to participate in society, build relationships and engage in everyday activities.
He also urged the public to spread awareness about the services available through the camp and encourage those requiring support to seek timely care.
“Let your neighbour know of the same, so that we can share this joy of hearing and communicating,” he said.
Services offered during the camp
The camp provides a range of assessments and consultations by professionals in the field of speech and hearing.
The services include:
- Free registration
- Free audiological evaluation
- 40% discount on hearing aids
- Vestibular evaluation
- Language evaluation
- Voice evaluation
- Fluency evaluation
- Articulation assessment
- Swallowing assessment
The camp operates in two sessions, with the morning session from 9 am to 12.30 pm and the post-noon session from 1.30 pm to 4 pm.
Participants will also receive a free Father Muller Health Card, offering benefits on consultations, diagnostic services, laboratory services and medicines.
Addressing hearing and speech difficulties
Hearing impairment can range from difficulty in perceiving sounds to complete deafness. Speech and language impairments can affect communication and may include articulation difficulties, voice disorders, stammering and language delays.
Such conditions may be congenital, develop gradually or occur as a result of illness, injury or medication-related effects, according to the information shared as part of the camp.
The initiative aims to promote awareness, facilitate early assessment and encourage appropriate intervention for people experiencing hearing, speech and swallowing-related concerns.
Department’s academic and professional role
The Department of Speech and Hearing was established in 2007 and offers professional programmes in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, including BASLP, M.Sc. Audiology and M.Sc. Speech-Language Pathology.
The programmes are affiliated with Mangalore University and recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).
The Free Speech and Hearing Camp will continue at OPD No. 67, Father Muller Medical College Hospital, until September 26.
