Lucknow, March 7 -- The Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) inaugurated an upgraded Neuro-Otology Laboratory to mark World Hearing Day 2026 on Friday. The institute also launched an awareness initiative focused on early detection of hearing loss among children. Observed under the theme "Communities to Classrooms - Hearing Care for Every Child," the programme highlighted the importance of timely screening and community awareness to address childhood hearing impairment. The upgraded laboratory was inaugurated by SGPGI director Prof Radha Krishna Dhiman in the presence of chief medical superintendent Prof Devendra Gupta and head of the department of Neurosurgery Prof Awadhesh Jaiswal. The facility is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools that will support assessment and management of both routine and complex cochlear implant cases. Addressing the gathering, Prof Dhiman described hearing loss as a "silent disability" that often worsens when diagnosis is delayed but can be effectively managed through early intervention. He reiterated SGPGI's commitment, with support from the government of Uttar Pradesh, to strengthening childhood hearing healthcare services. During the awareness session, Dr Ravi Sankar, Head of the Neuro-Otology Unit in the Neurosurgery Department, emphasized that early identification of hearing impairment is crucial for a child's speech, language, cognitive and social development. He also highlighted the role of communities, schools and parents in ensuring timely screening and treatment....