SRMS Medical College Offers Free Cochlear Implants to Restore Hearing for Children in India
HT Syndication
New Delhi [India], April 8: Picture a world devoid of sound! For kids born with severe hearing impairment, such silence is their everyday experience. Nevertheless, as an important advancement in comprehensive healthcare and child development, SRMS Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), Bareilly the silence is being replaced with the beautiful symphony of life through Free Cochlear Implant Surgeries that typically cost around Rs15 lakhs per person inclusive of post-op rehabilitation and intensive therapies.
Committed to providing hearing loss treatments in Bareilly, SRMS IMS has become one of the foremost centers for this purpose. Cochlear Implant Surgeries at No Cost in India . Launched in 2016, the dedicated Cochlear Implant Program at SRMS IMS began with two free surgeries annually, fully-funded by SRMS Trust. In 2020, it received a major boost through affiliation with Ali Yuvar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (Divyangjan), Mumbai, and empanelment under ADIP Scheme of Central Government, with support from Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department, Uttar Pradesh. Since then, SRMS IMS has successfully restored hearing in over 40 children across UP, gifting them a life filled with sound, communication, and confidence.
As one of the top medical facilities for cochlear implants in Uttar Pradesh SRMS IMS is transforming lives by integrating cutting-edge medical facilities with empathetic care. As part of an exclusive project consistent with the objectives of the National Program for Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD), SRMS Trust enabled SRMS IMS to take proactive steps toward conducting newborn hearing tests right after birth—essential for timely identification and management of hearing loss. Annually, they screen over 3,000 babies utilizing sophisticated Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) technology, crucial for averting potential speech and cognitive developmental issues.
BRINGING VOICE TO QUIETNESS: THE GOAL OF SRMS IMS COCHLEAR IMPLANT PROGRAM
Severe hearing impairment in young children, especially when left undiscovered or unaddressed during their crucial development phases, may lead to persistent difficulties with communication, education, and social interaction. Recognizing this issue, the ENT, Head & Neck Surgery Department at SRMS IMS has emerged as a leader in innovative treatments aimed at restoring hearing. Their aim is to establish themselves as an excellence center for addressing hearing issues among children under five years old in Bareilly, emphasizing prompt interventions, advanced surgical procedures, and extensive rehabilitative care.
At the forefront of SRMS IMS is Dr. Rohit Sharma, Professor and Head of the ENT Department, whose specialization lies in cochlear implants and neuro-otology. Possessing exceptional skills and an unwavering dedication to create positive change, Dr. Rohit and his dedicated team have played a crucial role in helping children regain their hearing abilities.
"Performing a cochlear implant is not just a surgical milestone; it's an emotional turning point in a child's life. Hearing for the first time is a moment of pure joy--not just for the family, but for us as doctors too. Most importantly, cochlear implant surgery is just one-third of the process; post-op rehabilitation, care, and consistent therapies are vital for ensuring its success", says Dr Rohit on adding, "We offer thorough hearing evaluations to determine the extent and nature of hearing loss. Our patient-centered approach and state-of-the-art diagnostic tools allow us to pinpoint the exact cause of impairment. Based on the assessment results, our expert team crafts personalised treatment plans catering to the unique needs of each patient with precision."
COMMUNITY IMPACT & RECOGNITION
To uphold its commitment to social responsibilities, SRMS IMS recently organized a special gathering coinciding with World Hearing Day. This event brought together numerous young individuals between the ages of 4 and 18, all cochlear implant beneficiaries from various parts of Uttar Pradesh who underwent transformative cochlear implant procedures during their childhood at SRMS IMS.
"Seeing children who were previously unable to hear or speak now flourishing, laughing, learning, and socializing is the most rewarding aspect of our journey," remarks Dr. Rohit Sharma.
TRUE TALES, TRUE EFFECTS: SRMS COCHLEAR IMPLANT SUCCESS STORIES
The effect of SRMS IMS' cochlear implant program can be seen most vividly through the experiences of the children whose lives have changed dramatically, showcasing the significant emotional, social, and educational shifts these recipients have undergone.
* Priyanshi Prajapati: A Sound Discovered Amidst Quietness
Born with profound hearing loss at birth, Priyanshi from Azamgarh Banaras was diagnosed during an early screening. Her parents, devastated by the news, were referred to SRMS IMS, wherein, their hopes were reignited, and she received a free cochlear implant surgery at the age of three in 2016.
When Priyanshi grinned upon hearing her name for the first time, it seemed miraculous," shares her father, Mukesh Prajapati. "Now at age 13, she attends school regularly and engages actively in discussions. Her transformation from being silent to speaking, along with going to school, has permanently altered our lives.
* Shad Mustafa: The Strength of Listening Abilities
Nine-year-old Shad hails from Bareilly and faced significant challenges with communication because of hearing impairment. He had a successful cochlear implant surgery at SRMS IMS when he was around five years old, in 2021. Now, not only does he speak and study, but he also aspires to accomplish great things in his future.
"We had lost hope, but SRMS IMS not only gave Shad a voice, but gave us our child back! Our son called us 'Mummy' and 'Papa' for the first time after his surgery, which is the biggest blessing we could ask for", says his father, Monish Mustafa.
A COMPLETE REHABILITATION SYSTEM: PAST THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE
Cochlear Implant surgery is only the first step in a child's hearing journey. At SRMS IMS, a strong focus is placed on post-operative care and cochlear implant rehabilitation services with a multidisciplinary approach. This includes:
* Speech and language therapy sessions tailored to each child's development stage
* Auditory-verbal therapy aimed at enhancing listening and understanding capabilities to assist children in adjusting and maximizing their recently acquired hearing functions.
* Counseling for parents providing at-home support and language exposure
* Regular audiology evaluations and device calibration
* Entry to the SRMS Free Hearing Aid Program for Families in Need
CUTTING-EDGE FACILITIES & SKILLED STAFF
The SRMS IMS Cochlear Implant Surgery Center boasts state-of-the-art equipment for procedures involving microsurgery. endoscopic ear surgeries and neuro-otology procedures, along with dedicated auditory verbal therapy labs. The institute's dedicated team of ENT specialists , audiologists and speech therapists guarantee that every child gets personalized care customized for their specific requirements.
This comprehensive care approach makes SRMS IMS one of the premier options for parents looking for cochlear implant solutions in North India.
For additional information regarding the cochlear implant services at SRMS Institute of Medical Sciences, scheduling appointments, or referring a child for assessment, kindly reach out through their website: www.srms.ac.in/ims/hospital
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