Sarvodaya Hospital Performs Cochlear Implant on 5-Month-Old Baby, Youngest in India

Faridabad: Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad, successfully performed a cochlear implant surgery on a 5-month-old baby with congenital hearing impairment, making him the youngest in India to undergo this life-changing procedure. The surgery was led by Dr Ravi Bhatia, Director-ENT and Cochlear Implants, and highlights the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for hearing loss.

Congenital hearing impairment affects 4-6 out of every 1,000 newborns in India, though actual numbers may be higher due to insufficient newborn screenings. The condition can result from abnormal auditory system development during pregnancy or inherited genetic factors.

The baby’s family became concerned when he showed no response to common sounds, such as clapping or a pressure cooker whistle. A local clinic confirmed profound hearing loss in both ears, prompting his parents to seek advanced care at Sarvodaya Hospital.

A detailed audiological evaluation, including Tympanometry, Oto-Acoustic Emissions, and Auditory Brainstem Response, along with CT and MRI imaging, confirmed the severity of the baby’s condition.

Commenting on the case, Dr Ravi Bhatia said, “At Sarvodaya Hospital, we have successfully performed over 300 cochlear implants, transforming the hearing abilities and quality of life for countless patients. Early detection and intervention are critical for children with severe to profound hearing loss, as it can lead to immediate and positive outcomes. Cochlear implants can be life-changing, enabling children to interact with the auditory world, develop normal speech and language skills, and keep pace with their peers who have normal hearing.”

The cochlear implant procedure, which costs around 8-10 lakhs, is supported through government schemes and NGOs for underprivileged children, allowing treatment to be provided free of cost in some cases.

Explaining the child’s rehabilitation process, Mr Raja Suman, Chief Audiologist, Sarvodaya Hospital, said, “The child is undergoing continuous monitoring to ensure optimal progress. Our team, including audiologists, auditory-verbal therapists, and speech-language pathologists, is closely tracking the child's auditory development, speech, and language milestones. This comprehensive approach ensures tailored support and guidance throughout the rehabilitation process.”

Cochlear implants function by bypassing damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulating the auditory nerve. The device consists of an internal implant and an external component, including a speech processor and microphone, that work together to allow the patient to hear.

Now 10 months old, the baby is living a healthy, normal life, a testament to the transformative impact of timely intervention and advanced medical care.