Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 22: A free speech and hearing camp, organized by Father Muller Medical College Hospital on the occasion of International Hearing-Impaired Week, was inaugurated on September 21, at the hospital premises. The programme was presided over by Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), with Dr Venkatesha B M, vice dean, Father Muller Medical College and professor, department of medicine, as the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Venkatesha appreciated the initiative undertaken by the department and described the camp as a valuable service to individuals experiencing hearing, speech and swallowing difficulties. He said that timely assessment, appropriate treatment and professional guidance could significantly contribute to improving the quality of life of those affected. He also appreciated the initiative to provide assessments and assistive devices at concessional rates, noting that such services would make specialized care more accessible to the community.
Addressing the gathering, Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo highlighted the vital role ofhearing and speech in effective human communication. “Good communication requires good hearing and proper speech,” he observed, emphasizing that difficulties in either can affect a person's ability to understand, express and connect with others. He stressed that the ability to hear, speak and communicate remains important throughout life—from childhood to old age. These faculties, he said, enable people to participate fully in society, build relationships and experience the joys of everyday life. The camp, he added, was an expression of the institution's commitment to reaching out to people who require assessment, treatment and support.
Fr Faustine also encouraged the public to spread awareness about the services available through the camp and to help those in need access timely care. “Let your neighbour know of the same, so that we can share this joy of hearing and communicating,” he said.
As part of the camp, visitors can avail themselves of specialized services and consultations at OPD No. 67, Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Utility Block, Third Floor. The initiative seeks to promote awareness, early assessment and accessible care for individuals with hearing, speech and swallowing-related concerns.
The Father Muller College of Speech and Hearing in observance of 'International Hearing-Impaired Week', will be organizing a Free Speech and Hearing Camp from September 21st to September 26th at OPD number 67 FMMCH.
This initiative aims to create awareness, offer early diagnosis, and promote intervention strategies for individuals with hearing and speech difficulties.
Highlights of the Camp: Free registration, free audiological evaluation, 40% discount on hearing aids, vestibular evaluation, language evaluation, voice evaluation, fluency evaluation, articulation assessment, swallowing assessment.
Morning session: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Post-noon session: 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
All assessments and consultations will be conducted by expert professionals in the field of speech and hearing.
Why this camp matters:
Hearing impairment is a condition where individuals experience difficulty in perceiving sound, ranging from mild hearing loss to complete deafness.
Speech and language impairments affect a person’s ability to communicate and may include articulation problems, voice disorders, stammering, and language delays—often seen in both children and adults, including those affected by neurological conditions.
These impairments may:
Be congenital (present from birth)
Develop gradually over time
Be the result of illness, injury, or side effects of medication
Participants of the camp will also be provided with a free Father Muller Health Card, which offers exclusive benefits on consultations, diagnostic services, lab services, and medicines.
The department of speech and hearing, established in 2007, offers professional programmes in audiology and speech-language pathology (B ASLP, MSc audiology, and MSc SLP), affiliated to Mangalore University and recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).
For registration and further details, please contact:
0824-2238295 / 2238296
Email: fmcosh@fathermuller.in
The welcome address for the inaugural was delivered by Hadline, audiologist grade 1, who formally greeted the dignitaries and attendees. Following the welcome, the traditional Lighting of the Lamp was conducted by the dignitaries to officially inaugurate the camp.
Several dignitaries were in attendance to support the initiative, including Dr Michael Ligory Santhumayor (administrator - FMMC, FMCOAHS, FMCOP), Fr George Jeevan Sequeira (administrator, FMMCH), Fr Wiliam Dsouza (assistant administrator, FMMCH), and Prof Cynthia Santhmayor (principal).
The formal inauguration concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Lavita, speech language pathologist grade 1. The event officially wrapped up with the singing of the national anthem.