NEW DELHI: A five-month-old infant successfully underwent cochlear implant surgery at a private hospital in Faridabad to treat congenital hearing impairment. The cochlear implant system comprises an internal surgically placed component and an external unit with a speech processor, transmitting coil, and a microphone. It works by converting sound into digital signals, bypassing damaged ear parts to stimulate the auditory nerve directly, enabling hearing.
The medical team at Sarvodaya Hospital performed the surgery and claims that their patient is the youngest recipient of a cochlear implant in India. According to medical experts, congenital hearing loss affects 4 to 6 per 1,000 newborns in India. This condition occurs when babies are born without hearing ability, caused by either abnormal development of the auditory system during pregnancy or genetic inheritance. The actual numbers are likely higher, as many newborns do not receive hearing screenings at birth.
A team led by Dr Ravi Bhatia, Director of ENT and Cochlear Implants, implanted a small electronic device in the hearing-impaired infant’s ear. The case also signifies the importance of early screening and identification for better treatment outcomes.
The infant was brought to Sarvodaya Hospital’s ENT and Cochlear Implant Centre at 4.5 months after family members noticed his unresponsiveness to everyday sounds. The baby’s father’s history of congenital hearing impairment heightened the family’s concerns. Initial screening at a local clinic revealed profound hearing loss in both ears. At Sarvodaya Hospital, comprehensive testing including tympanometry, oto-acoustic emissions, auditory brainstem response, and CT and MRI scans confirmed the diagnosis. Following successful surgery, the now 10-month-old infant leads a normal, healthy life.
Dr Bhatia explained that whilst cochlear implants are suitable at any age, early intervention is crucial for children with severe hearing loss. The procedure enables normal speech development and auditory interaction. Treatment costs approximately 8-10 lakhs, though underprivileged children receive free treatment through govt schemes and NGO partnerships.
Raja Suman, Chief Audiologist, detailed the ongoing monitoring process involving audiologists, auditory-verbal therapists, and speech-language pathologists who track the child’s progress in hearing, speech, and language development.
