Overview
A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that provides a sense of sound to profoundly deaf and mute children. The implant works by bypassing the damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulating the auditory nerve.
Sarvodaya Hospital is one of the best hospitals for cochlear implant surgeries in Faridabad, Delhi NCR. Sarvodaya’s top ENT department is also recognised as the first centre in India to perform cochlear implant surgery on the youngest child in the country (5 months old).
What is Cochlear Implant Surgery?
Cochlear implant surgery is a groundbreaking medical procedure designed to restore hearing for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. Unlike traditional hearing aids, cochlear implants bypass damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. This helps the brain process sound signals effectively, offering a clearer sense of hearing.
The best hospital for cochlear implant surgery in Faridabad brings the top cochlear implant surgeons with experience in performing over 300+ cochlear implant surgeries on young children, including cochlear implant surgery on the youngest (5-month-old) child.
Signs That a Child May Need a Cochlear Implant
Cochlear implants are often recommended for children with severe to profound hearing loss who show little to no improvement with hearing aids. The earlier the signs are noticed, the earlier the treatment can be provided to the child for best results.
Below are the key signs that a child might benefit from cochlear implant surgery in Faridabad, Delhi NCR:
- Delayed Speech and Language Development
- Lack of Response to Sounds
- Ineffectiveness of Hearing Aids
- Social and Emotional Challenges in engaging in conversations
- Missed Auditory Milestones in Infants (By 6 months: Lack of response to sounds; By 12 months: Not imitating speech sounds or understanding basic words.)
Why Early Hearing & Speech Loss Diagnosis Matters
Timely identification of these signs and evaluation by specialists can significantly enhance the child’s ability to develop speech and language skills. Cochlear implants provide a chance for children with hearing impairment to integrate seamlessly into the hearing world and thrive socially, academically, and emotionally.
The best hospital for hearing loss treatment brings the top ENT doctors and best audiologists who are well-versed in identifying and diagnosing the signs of hearing and speech impairment. The top ENT Hospital in Faridabad leverages state-of-the-art technology for diagnosing and treating hearing and speech problems in children.
Why is Cochlear Implant Surgery Needed?
In India, over 291 children out of a million are born deaf and mute. Despite the availability of treatment options, only one-third of these children receive timely intervention when their signs get noticed by the family.
A cochlear implant surgery is needed when:
- Hearing aids fail to provide adequate sound clarity or amplification.
- Severe or profound hearing loss impacts daily communication and social interactions.
- Children show delayed speech and language development due to hearing impairment.
- Adults experience hearing loss that limits their quality of life and work productivity.
The Cochlear Implant Surgery Procedure
At Sarvodaya Hospital‘s advanced ENT Centre, our highly experienced cochlear implant surgeons follow a precise and patient-focused process.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: A thorough diagnosis is conducted, including audiological tests, imaging scans (CT/MRI), and a consultation with our cochlear implant specialists.
- Pre-Surgery Preparation: The families are guided through the procedure, benefits, and post-surgery care.
- The Surgery: Performed under general anaesthesia, the surgeon makes a small incision behind the ear and places the implant device. The internal electrode array is inserted into the cochlea to stimulate the auditory nerve.
- Activation and Tuning: After healing, the external processor is connected, and the device is tuned for optimal performance.
- Rehabilitation: Post-surgery therapy includes auditory training and speech therapy to maximize hearing and communication abilities.
Benefits of Cochlear Implant Surgery
- Improved Hearing: Detect a wide range of sounds, from speech to environmental noises.
- Enhanced Communication: Essential for children to develop speech and adults to regain social confidence.
- Better Quality of Life: Reconnect with loved ones and enjoy a more fulfilling life.
- Educational and Career Growth: Enables children to excel in school and adults to thrive professionally.
Why Choose Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad for Cochlear Implant Surgery?
With over 30 years of experience, Sarvodaya’s Centre for ENT and Cochlear Implant ensures successful and best treatment for hearing and speech loss in children. Choose Sarvodaya Hospital for cochlear implant surgery in Faridabad, Delhi NCR for:
- Pioneering Cochlear Implant Surgery in India: First in the country to perform cochlear implant surgery on the youngest patient. The centre is also the first centre in Faridabad with experience of 300+ Cochlear Implant Surgeries on young children, with the youngest cochlear implant recipient being 5 months old, the second youngest cochlear implant recipient being 9 months old and so on.
- Expert Team: Our top cochlear implant surgeons in Faridabad, Delhi NCR, highly skilled ENT specialists, audiologists, and speech therapists are highly experienced in pediatric and adult cochlear implants.
- Advanced Technology: We use cutting-edge tools to ensure the highest precision and success rates.
- Comprehensive Care: From diagnosis to post-surgery rehabilitation, we provide end-to-end support for patients and their families.
Barriers to Timely Hearing & Speech Loss Treatment
Several factors contribute to the low rate of timely treatment for hearing impairment in children. Lack of awareness about the condition, unnoticed signs of hearing loss, and financial constraints often prevent children from receiving necessary medical care.
Sarvodaya’s Cochlear Implant Awareness and Support Programs
Through awareness programs and support from the government’s ADIP scheme and NGOs, we have successfully treated over 300 young children with free cochlear implant surgeries.
These surgeries have had a profound impact on the children’s lives, aiding in their hearing development, enhancing speech and language skills, opening up educational opportunities and improving the quality of life.
Post-surgery, our team of audiologists and speech therapists provides essential speech therapy to help children develop proper speaking skills. The therapy continues for over three years.
Bridging the Prevalent Gaps
While government and NGO support has been instrumental in our efforts, many children still lack access to cochlear implant surgeries due to limited resources and financial support. Extended financial support can make a significant difference, enabling us to continue providing life-changing treatments to children in need and ensuring they have the opportunity to lead normal, fulfilling lives. We have endeavoured the HOPE initiative to help such despairing families and children with free cochlear implant surgeries and therapy to help the children lead a normal life.
