A doctor performs a heath check on a child's ears during a charity drive for the disabled held in Chongqing on March 1. A charity campaign to help the disabled has raised nearly 6,000 yuan in the southwestern city, the Chongqing Morning Post reported.

A charity campaign to help the disabled has raised nearly 6,000 yuan in the southwestern city of Chongqing, the Chongqing Morning Post reported.

Medical experts conducted free ear health checks in anticipation of National Ear Care Day on March 3. The program will also send medical teams to Chongqing's rural areas to provide free services.

A hotline run by Chongqing's Welfare Fund for the Handicapped is available for people who want to make a donation.

Over 300,000 people in Chongqing suffer from hearing disorders, and most of which are caused by blocked external acoustic meatus and tympanitis, according to the article.

The first National Ear Care Day was launched in 2000. This year's theme is "I Hear the Splendid Olympics."

(CRIENGLISH.com, March 3, 2008)