Mysore/Mysuru: The city-based AIISH (All India Institute of Speech and Hearing) Director Dr. M. Pushpavathi said that measures have been taken for free testing and treatment of tribal children studying in Ashram schools, for any hearing impairment.

She was speaking after launching the testing and treatment camp of tribal children of Nallurpala Ashram School in Hunsur taluk, organised by Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute (KSTRI) at AIISH here recently.

Pointing out that parents have to take their children for testing if they find any symptoms of hearing impairment or disorder, Dr. Pushpavathi said that parents should also take care that their wards do not pierce pins or other harmful objects into their ears for clearing purpose. A total of 42 children who have been found to have hearing impairment were treated in the camp.

AIISH faculty Dr. M. Sandeep said that this is the first time that Ashram school children are being tested and treated for hearing impairment.

Noting that about 50 percent of tribal children are found to have ear problems, while this figure is 20 percent in case of other children, he said that the departments are working with co-ordination for providing best treatment.

KSTRI Deputy Director B.S. Prabha Urs said that health check up camps will be held in all Ashram schools of the district. The KSTRI is taking care of transportation and food costs of children attending check up camp in AIISH, she added.

AIISH faculty Dr. Mahadevappa, Dr. Raveesh Gani and others were present.