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Govt includes ‘cochlear implant surgery’ in Aarogyasri
The number of cochlear implant surgeries are increasing in the State due to congenital deafness.
Children below three years age can avail themselves of facilities under the scheme
Hyderabad: The number of cochlear implant surgeries are increasing in the State due to congenital deafness.
According to the doctor, Dr D K Veena, audiologist in the Government ENT Hospital, the congenital deafness arises out of consanguineous marriages, using over-the-counter medicines during the time of pregnancy, stress, high blood pressure (hypertension) and lastly the genetic disorders. “But, many parents are not aware of cochlear implant surgery. They take it easy if the child cannot speak and is hard of hearing. Some parents may not realise the defect and do not consult doctor,” she said.
Now, the Telangana State government has included the cochlear implant surgery in Aarogyasri scheme for children below three years age. Audiologist, after conducting the brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA) test, will perform implant surgery, if found that hearing loss is total. The children, before undergoing surgery, will be given training in auditory-verbal therapy for six months. The children, who undergo surgery, will once again, will be given training for one year, Dr Veena said.
For instance, Madhu, a 10-year-old boy, underwent implant surgery and he is showing the signs of improvement in regaining hearing. Dr Veena said the child usually say “amma” at the age of one year. If the child fails the test even one-and-half-year, parents should consult the doctor. She cited a case in which a mother identified her 11-month-old child having hearing loss. She immediately consulted the doctor and implant surgery was conducted on the baby. Now, the baby is regaining hearing.
Dr T Shankar, Superintendent, ENT Hospital, said, “We did around 400 cochlear implant surgeries for the past three years. Seven years ago, only 20 surgeries were performed a year. Now, a total of 120 surgeries are being conducted a year. Very soon the hospital will be equipped with a Modular Operation Theatre for more cochlear and ENT surgeries,” he said.
Regarding success rate, he said the cochlear implant surgery success rate was 98 per cent. With the regular antenatal check-up, the defects can be detected at foetus stage, he said. Dr Shankar said facilities to identify deafness among children have been put in place in Area Hospitals.
V Naveen Kumar
