P V Rajender Kumar was a distinguished ENT surgeon, medical audiologist and academician whose contributions to the field of audiology and otolaryngology had a lasting impact in India and internationally. His career spanned several decades, during which he played a pivotal role in research, teaching and clinical advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing disorders. Born on 21 September 1935, the son of Dr P K Velayudhan, a general practitioner, and A K Saradha, a housewife, he pursued his medical education at Madras University, earning his MB BS, followed by a diploma in otorhinolaryngology and a masters degree in surgery (ENT). His dedication to the study of hearing disorders led him to obtain a PhD in audiology from Madras University, further solidifying his expertise in the field. He was also a Member of the National Academy of Medical Sciences. His academic journey culminated in being awarded fellowships of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and the Royal College of Surgeons of England. Throughout his career, he held numerous academic and clinical positions. He served as the professor of medical audiology and head of the Institute of Speech and Hearing in Madras, where he was instrumental in establishing the institution as a premier centre for audiological research and training. His tenure at various government medical colleges, including Madras Medical College and Madurai Medical College, saw him mentor countless students who went on to make significant contributions to ENT and audiology. Rajender Kumar’s research focused extensively on audiological assessment, hearing loss prevention, and speech pathology. He was the principal investigator on numerous government-funded projects, including studies on noise pollution and its effects on hearing, the genetic and environmental causes of deafness, and the prevalence of hearing loss in rural populations. His work led to improved policies and interventions for the hearing impaired in India. Internationally recognised for his expertise, he collaborated with the World Health Organization as a short-term consultant in the Western Pacific region and Southeast Asia. He was instrumental in organising hearing conservation workshops and training programmes in countries such as the Maldives, Vietnam, Laos and China. His contributions earned him commendations from global health bodies, highlighting his role in the prevention and management of deafness. A dedicated educator, Rajender Kumar served as an examiner and board member for several universities across India. He played a crucial role in shaping medical audiology curricula and was actively involved in professional organisations, serving as president of the Indian Speech and Hearing Association and the Association of Otolaryngologists of India, among others. His contributions were widely recognised, and he received numerous awards, including the Clubwala Jadhav Award for Rehabilitation of the Disabled (in 1986), the Bharat Award for services to speech and hearing development (in 1996), and the Best Doctor Award for Physically Handicapped Services from the Government of Tamil Nadu (in 2000). Beyond his professional achievements, he was deeply committed to humanitarian work. He organised numerous hearing assessment and rehabilitation camps across Tamil Nadu, providing free medical services to thousands of patients. His involvement with organisations such as the Commonwealth Society for the Deaf and the Rehabilitation Council of India further demonstrated his dedication to improving the lives of the hearing impaired. Married to Swarnalatha Rajender Kumar, a gynaecologist, P V Rajender Kumar died on 25 May 2021 at the age of 85. His legacy in audiology, otolaryngology and medical education remains unparalleled. His pioneering work in hearing loss prevention, his dedication to teaching and his commitment to service have left an indelible mark on the medical community. He was survived by his family, colleagues and the many students he mentored, who continue to carry forward his passion and mission in the field of ENT and audiology.