Transforming Lives: Successful Cochlear Implant Surgeries at Shivamogga Medical Institute

Celebrating Milestones in Hearing Restoration

The Shivamogga Institute of Medical Sciences recently celebrated a remarkable achievement: the successful completion of 25 cochlear implant surgeries under Karnataka's Shravana Sanjeevani Cochlear Implant Scheme. This milestone was marked with a heartwarming cake-cutting ceremony, attended by children who had undergone the surgery and regained their hearing, showcasing the profound impact of medical innovation on young lives.

Among the attendees was a six-year-old girl who, after her surgery, presented formal prayers during the program. Her journey to recovery included auditory-verbal therapy, essential for improving her listening abilities, language processing, and speech skills. Her mother, Sowmya Bhat, shared a poignant story about her daughter's hearing challenges, which began at birth due to inadequate screening equipment in their local hospital. Thanks to the scheme, they accessed free surgery, leading to significant improvements in her child's hearing and speech development.

Accessibility and Support for Hearing Impairment

The head of the ENT Department, S. Sridhar, highlighted the successful completion of these surgeries since March 2023, benefitting children from Shivamogga and surrounding districts. The initiative aims to provide cochlear implants to children with severe to profound hearing loss, particularly those under two years of age. The financial support from the Department of Health and Family Welfare, covering ₹6 lakh for the implant and ₹1.75 lakh for rehabilitation, makes this life-changing procedure accessible to families from all income categories.

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The Importance of Early Screening

Dr. Shankar Medikeri, a mentor-surgeon for the scheme, emphasized the importance of early screening for hearing loss in newborns. Many affected children lead normal lives after receiving cochlear implants, even excelling in prestigious educational institutions. Ensuring that all newborns undergo screening shortly after birth could significantly improve outcomes for those with hearing impairments. This requires the implementation of otoacoustic emission (OAE) testing in all hospitals, making early intervention a priority.