Mysuru, KARNATAKA :
Her dedication to enhancing people’s quality of life sets her apart. With patience, empathy and strong communication skills at the core of her work, she has built deep connections with those she serves.
Introducing Irfana Husen, whose unwavering commitment to understanding the challenges faced by individuals with speech and hearing impairments not only improves their lives but also highlights the power of compassion in transforming communities.
In this special interview with Star of Mysore on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Irfana shares her journey, insights and the driving force behind her mission to create a more inclusive world. —Excerpts:
Star of Mysore (SOM): Tell us about the significance of the ‘Karnataka Brain Health Initiative’ and your involvement in it.
Irfana: The Karnataka Brain Health Initiative (KABHI), launched by the Government of Karnataka in collaboration with National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), aims to facilitate the early identification and management of neurological disorders such as stroke, epilepsy, dementia and headache. The initiative has established Brain Health Clinics in District Hospitals, integrating neurological care into primary healthcare.
My role involves assessing and rehabilitating patients with speech, language and swallowing disorders caused by neurological conditions. I work closely with neurologists, physiotherapists and other specialists to provide comprehensive care. Additionally, I actively participate in awareness campaigns and trainings to promote brain health and early diagnosis.
SOM: What inspired you to take up this profession?
Irfana: My motivation to pursue Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology was shaped by my experiences at the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) in Mysuru. Witnessing children seeking help ignited my passion for a field that can profoundly impact individuals with communication and hearing challenges. Many children suffer due to late diagnoses and societal stigma, which inspired me to focus on early detection, rehabilitation and community education. My goal is to bridge this knowledge gap and ensure communication accessibility for all, especially for children with disabilities, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives.
SOM: How do you demonstrate patience, empathy and effective communication in your profession?
Irfana: These qualities are essential for building strong connections with patients, especially children with disabilities. Patience is crucial, as progress can be slow, particularly for individuals with speech delays or autism.
I tailor each session to their pace, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment. Empathy allows me to understand the struggles faced by individuals with speech and hearing impairments. I actively listen to both patients and their families, providing them with emotional support throughout their rehabilitation journey.
Strong communication skills enable me to simplify complex medical information for families, ensuring they understand the treatment process. Additionally, these skills help me collaborate effectively with other professionals, ensuring holistic care.
Awareness programme in the Maternity Ward of District Hospital, Mysuru.
SOM: How do you provide guidance to patients and their families regarding their health issues and treatment options? What about children with special needs?
Irfana: Counselling patients and their families requires compassion and clear communication. I hear their concerns, provide emotional support and simplify medical explanations to help them better understand their condition and treatment. For families with children with disabilities, I emphasise the importance of early intervention, educate them on the benefits of therapy and set realistic expectations for progress.
When working with children with special needs, I build trust through play-based therapy, incorporating sensory tools and visual aids to make sessions engaging and effective. I tailor therapy to each child’s strengths and use positive reinforcement to encourage their progress.
SOM: What is the most difficult part of being an Audiologist and Speech Pathologist?
Irfana: The most challenging aspect is addressing the emotional needs of children with disabilities and patients with severe neurological disorders. Families often struggle to accept diagnoses, especially after life-altering events like strokes or brain injuries.
Balancing emotional support with therapy can be demanding, as slow progress sometimes leads to frustration. However, witnessing patients regain communication skills and achieve milestones makes it all worthwhile.
SOM: In what ways do you believe the current lifestyle of young individuals will impact their hearing?
Irfana: The modern lifestyle, particularly excessive headphone use and exposure to loud music, poses a significant risk to hearing health. Prolonged exposure to high-volume sounds, noisy environments and poor ear hygiene can lead to noise-induced hearing loss.
Individuals should limit exposure to loud noises, avoid using cotton swabs for ear cleaning and maintain proper ear hygiene. A balanced diet, regular exercise and avoiding tobacco can improve blood circulation and nerve function.
SOM: Can you share some tips on maintaining composure and managing time? How do you handle stress?
Irfana: To maintain composure and balance multiple responsibilities, I rely on structured planning, prioritisation and self-care. Creating a daily schedule and setting realistic goals helps me stay organised and efficient.
When dealing with stress, I adopt a calm and solution-oriented approach. Taking short breaks allows me to reset and refocus. Most importantly, the unwavering support of my family keeps me strong. Spending quality time with my children and engaging in activities that bring me joy helps me rejuvenate.
SOM: What message would you like to give to youngsters who want to pursue a career in your field?
Irfana: They must be patient and committed to making a difference in people’s lives. It is not just about diagnosing and treating communication and hearing disorders — it’s about giving individuals a voice, restoring their ability to connect and improving their quality of life.
The demand for skilled professionals is growing, with opportunities in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, research and private practice.
SOM: How do you define women empowerment?
Irfana: Women empowerment is about enabling women to access their rights, opportunities and confidence to make independent choices. It involves ensuring equal participation in all fields while dismantling societal barriers.
True empowerment is achieved when women attain financial independence, social respect and control over their decisions — both in their careers and personal lives.
ACADEMICS & PROFESSION
Irfana Husen holds a Master of Science in Audiology from Dr. Chandrasekar Institute in Bengaluru and a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing from JSS Institute, Mysuru.
Beginning her career at AIISH in 2010, she specialised in advanced assessments and has accumulated over a decade of expertise in healthcare and rehabilitation.
From 2011 to 2013, she gained clinical and research experience at the Samvaad Institute and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Hospital in Bengaluru. Between 2013 and 2016, she served as a Speech Therapist and Audiology Specialist at Shifaa Hospital.
From 2018 to 2024, she contributed to the District Disability Rehabilitation Centre in Mysuru, supporting individuals with disabilities. In her current role, she focuses on speech and swallowing disorders related to neurology.
Beyond her clinical work, Irfana is passionate about advocating for disability rights and actively engages in community interventions and awareness programmes.
In her personal time, she enjoys travelling, cooking and cherishing moments with her children.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles> Top Stories / by Shadan Muneer / March 13th, 2025