Agra: As part of its mission to help audibly challenged kids in India, an NGO has provided hearing aids to around 500 school children in Uttar Pradesh.

The kids will also receive training on hearing instrument care, maintenance and supply of hearing instrument batteries under the hearing mission launched by Starkey Hearing Foundation in India.

The hearing mission programme is launched in four cities of India, under which the NGO plans to fit more than 7,000 hearing instruments.

"Starkey is committed towards providing a better life for the hearing-impaired and we strive for products that enable people to lead normal lives.

"We look at our current mission as just a small step towards bringing about a real change in the lives of the people with hearing disability and bringing joy and cheer into their lives," President of Starkey Hearing Foundation William F. Austin said in a statement.

PepsiCo supported the Starkey mission, which is taking place across the country Nov 17-29.

Former Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo Don M. Kendall said: "It is incredibly fulfilling to be part of this hearing mission and to do so much good in such a short amount of time. I feel honoured to have the opportunity to bring the gift of hearing to so many in India and proud to again support the Starkey Hearing Foundation." IANS