Orientation visit to the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH)

The Department of PG Studies and Research in Social Work, St. Philomena’s College (Autonomous), Mysuru, organized an orientation visit to the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) on 16th September 2025 (Tuesday) at Mysuru. The visit commenced at 10:00 a.m. and was organized with the objective of providing students with an in-depth understanding of communication disorders, clinical interventions, and professional opportunities in the field of speech and hearing sciences.

During the orientation session, the students were introduced to the history and background of AIISH. It was explained that AIISH was established in 1965, making it a 60-year-old autonomous organization dedicated to education, research, and clinical services in the field of communication disorders. The institute was initially named the Institute of Dogopedics and was instituted on 9th August 1965 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It was later registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 (Punjab Amendment Act) on 10th October 1966 and continues to function as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The resource persons elaborated on the core areas of functioning of AIISH, highlighting that the institute primarily caters to children with speech and hearing difficulties and specially abled children. AIISH provides comprehensive diagnostic, therapeutic, and follow-up services for children undergoing treatment. The institute also plays a significant role in outreach services through speech and language pathologists, ensuring access to care for children from diverse backgrounds.

The session further covered important academic and clinical topics such as developmental milestones in children aged 2–3 years, the physiology of speech production, common communication disorders, and various treatment approaches. Students were introduced to career opportunities such as Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (ASLP). Detailed information was provided on the roles of ENT specialists, audiologists, and speech-language pathologists. ENT services include medical and surgical treatments, while audiologists focus on hearing aids, auditory training, cochlear implants, and the management of vertigo and tinnitus. Speech and language pathologists provide speech and language therapy as well as swallowing therapy.

The students also learned about the child-friendly clinical environment at AIISH, where colorful classrooms and creative activities are designed to enhance children’s understanding, confidence, and learning abilities. It was highlighted that AIISH was recognized as a Centre of Excellence in 2022, reflecting its contribution to clinical care, education, and research. As per the Clinical Care Annual Report 2024–2025, the institute handled approximately 78,000 cases, encompassing all clinical services.

The orientation session concluded with insights into career prospects, where professionals trained at AIISH can work in universities, hospitals, government and non-government organizations, private institutions, and cochlear implant companies. The programme was enriched by the expert guidance of the resource personsDr. Prashanth R, Research Scholar, Ms. Angeline, Research Scholar, andMs. Deepika K, whose informative sessions provided valuable exposure to the students.

Overall, the orientation visit was highly informative and beneficial, offering students practical knowledge and clarity about communication disorders, clinical practices, and professional opportunities, thereby enhancing their academic and field-based learning experience.