Appoximately 10,000 individuals with hearing disabilities have been awaiting the delivery of hearing kits for the past four months following the cessation of distribution by the Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities Divyangjan (AYJNIHH) centre in Bandra. The centre cited the replacement of outdated equipment with newer, more efficient models as the reason for the unavailability of devices. However, sources have now told mid-day that the procurement of the new devices has been delayed due to ongoing elections, resulting in patients only receiving their hearing aids post-elections.

This government-funded centre offers free hearing aid devices to individuals with hearing disabilities. According to official data, more than 100 people visit the centre daily seeking these devices, with approximately 80 of them undergoing audiology tests before receiving them. The distribution of old devices from the centre halted in December, yet people continue to visit regularly, hoping to get a device.