BS RAWAT
NEW DELHI: At an event to mark 14 years of the launch of Apollo Hospitals’ cochlear implant programme, the hospital has claimed to have performed the highest number of hearing implant surgeries in the past few years.

The hospital has said that since 2005, its Cochlear Implant Team has brought the sounds of joy into the lives of 1500 children who have received hearing implants.

Dr. Anupam Sibal, Group Medical Director Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said, “We have made a difference to the lives of 1500 children across the globe by helping them experience the sense of hearing. We will continue our commitment to incorporate global healthcare best practices and providing the outstanding services to our patients.”

Dr.(Prof) Ameet Kishore, ENT and Cochlear Implant Surgeon, pointed out, “In New Delhi alone, there are more than 34,000 people suffering from significant hearing impairment. We have experienced the significant impact of this program and have helped in creating a positive difference in the lives of 1500 children and their families. In India, we do not follow the 136 rule, which is the first step to detect deafness in any newborn.”

Ms. Neevita Narayan, Audiologist, Speech Therapist and Cochlear Implant Specialist for Apollo Hospita, said, “Parents may not always be able to identify the hearing loss in their children, which is why having new-born hearing screening becomes crucial. UNHS program is adopted across geographies to enable early detection and thereby solve the problem of hearing disability. It is time it became a practice in India too.”

Brett Lee, Global Hearing Ambassador to implant maker Cochlear also shared insights on the significance of newborn hearing screening, urging the government to mandate UNHS across the country.

Mr Lee said, “Awareness initiatives like these play a crucial role in educating parents and families of newborns thereby creating awareness about UNHS. I am proud to be associated with the cause of UNHS; with these efforts, we as a team, aim to ensure that everyone can experience the sounds of everyday life.”