Today is the 64th International Cochlear Implant Day. In 1957, the first surgery was performed to prevent congenital deafness in children which brought a revolution in hearing and speech in the lives of affected children. It is done free of cost under the ADIP program run by the Government of India.
A free cochlear implant facility is available at Singhania Dental and ENT Hospital in Vadodara under the ADIP program of the Government of India. Under the leadership of Dr. Professor Ankit Singhania, about 30 cochlear implants have been performed in the last 3 years.
The International Cochlear Implant Day is held to spread awareness about this facility all over the world.
Dr. Singhania said that congenital deafness is found in four children per thousand. Since the child was originally deaf from birth and could not speak. After testing of deafness and OAE, this surgery is performed on them.
The child has to be given speech therapy for about two years after this surgery. Its cost includes speech therapy in a private institution is Rs. 8 lakh. Under the above program of the Government of India, surgery is performed free of cost on the children of eligible families on the basis of income limit.
The day was celebrated at Singhania Hospital with children and their parents who have benefited from hearing aids and speech. He said that hearing is a blessing of nature which gives words and lack of it makes life very painful. Giving them the power to hear and speak opens the door to a new world of possibilities for them.
This surgery is relatively simple, with very few complications. They are working towards deafness-free Vadodara. Screening camps are organized and the State Health Department is very supportive.
