Background
The hearing status of every unscreened child is a frightening unknown
Hearing loss is a widespread disability in India, accounting for 4.7% of the total population. With India having a population of 1.4 billion people and a birth rate of 17 per 1000, an estimated 91,000 children are born with hearing loss each year.
There is a near-total lack of awareness regarding the severe consequences of late diagnosis. The problem is made worse by the fact that, even with attentive parents, it can take a few years to recognize hearing loss in a child, potentially leading to delayed intervention.
The Government of Karnataka mandated the screening of newborns for hearing issues
However, at the grassroots level, execution is hindered by the high cost of screening and the absence of a repeatable, scalable execution playbook.
There is no comprehensive public education on how to deal with hearing loss in India
Hearing loss and its diagnosis have not been normalized, leading to a lack of public education on how to address the issue. Consequently, when a child is diagnosed, common parental reactions in India range from fear and shame to denial.
Project Kivvy is a volunteer effort towards a practical, scalable solution for 1.4 Billion people and beyond
The project has identified and focuses on a few key pieces
Scientifically-proven Technology
We will use hardware and software developed at IIT Madras for ultra low-cost screening using low-cost off-the-shelf components in a compact, portable system.
Information Bridges
The 3 missing links are screening awareness, stigma eradication and remedial clarity. These will be bridged with zero-cost short-form videos for distribution on Whatsapp and social media.
A Dream Team of Stakeholders
Each of whom have a natural stake in the success of the project, with each bringing very specific, significant value to the success of the project.
Testimonials of Project Kivvy
The personal experience of being hearing-impaired led Ved Chikarmane to start the Kivvy Project. His efforts inspire children with hearing loss to face their challenges and lead fulfilling lives. The Government of Karnataka is committed to support the project, and to take the lead in India with screening and other essential interventions for its people.
Mr. Dinesh Gundu Rao
Honourable Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka
“Improving outcomes for children with speech, language and hearing disorders in rural and semi-urban communities, at scale, is a public health imperative. We are committed to provide our expertise, and support the efforts of the Kivvy Project in making this happen in cooperation with other partners.“
Prof. Vidya Ramkumar
Intermediate Fellow
SRESHT-SRIHER-IA Lab
"The Kivvy Project has taken our affordable hearing screening devices into a state of more than 61 Million people. I can’t wait to see the impact of scientific and technological innovation on the lives of children in Karnataka and beyond."
Dr. Anil Prabhakar
Professor IIT Madras and Head, Centre for Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology (CREATE)
"I have had the opportunity to watch Ved take personal adversity and shape it into the Kivvy Project. I am impressed to see this Project bring together technology, social research, the government, academia and non-profit stakeholders to uniquely drive real change for the hearing impaired."
Dr. Prathibha Karanth
Founder Director and Managing Trustee of The Communication DEALL Trust
"The Kivvy Project single-handedly advocated for a government directive on mandatory hearing screening for children, which is now evolving into actual remedial action. We are proud to support this endeavour with both the people and training resources of our Institution in Bangalore."
Lion V V Krishna Reddy
Board of Trustees, Dr. S. R. Chandrasekhar Institute of Speech and Hearing (Dr.SRCISH), Bangalore
We are excited to collaborate with the Kivvy Project and invite you to be a vital part of a transformative initiative that aims to create lasting, life-changing impact in South India. This project is centered on leveraging the power of technology and training, enhancing government infrastructure and coordination, advancing audiology and counseling expertise, and bringing a global perspective to address critical challenges.
The key to success lies in combining these technical elements and the people who care most. Your voice and leadership are integral to making this vision a reality.
Ms. Gayla Guignard
AG Bell foundation Chief Strategy & Programs Officer
The Dream Team of Stakeholders and Leadership that makes Kivvy a Success.
IIT Madras, CREATE
- Audiology R&D and innovation
- Sourcing, testing and setup of screening units
- Ongoing evolution of field devices
- Research on scaling the process
SRESHT-IA-LAB, SRIHER University
- Integration of tech for maximum social impact
- Training of government staff
- Expertise in rural and semi-urban execution
- TN, Kerala proven process expertise
Government of Karnataka
- Mandates and policy directives
- Coordination of government machinery
- Readiness of post-screening centers
- Operational logistics and day-to-day management.