DTMT Network
The Apollo Cochlear Implant Clinic, Hyderabad, has performed of a record 1500 cochlear implants, the largest program in South Asia till date. Cochlear implant is a surgically implanted neuroprosthetic device to provide a person with moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss a modified sense of sound.

Speaking at an event in Hyderabad, Dr E. C. Vinaya Kumar, Sr. Consultant ENT Surgeon, Apollo Health City, Hyderabad, said, “When we started the Apollo Cochlear Clinic in 1994, it was the first in South India. Initially we had several hitches as there was hardly any awareness about this revolutionary technology and also children were not allowed to be implanted as the USFDA was yet to accord clearance to Cochlear Implant for children. Today, this accomplishment has special significance as compared to several centers in USA and Europe, we have the least complication rates.”

Dr Kumar said, “We also hold the world record for performing the highest number of Cochlear Implant surgeries in a single day in 2006. We did 18 implants from 4 am to 8 pm. The implants were done to allay the fear of parents of there being a major surgery which children can't cope with and to prove that this is safe and beneficial for the child.”

He further said that around 15 years ago, there were several children with hearing impairment who weren't under the purview of Arogyasri and were deprived of the benefit of Cochlear Implant Surgery. “This prompted us to start an NGO called SAHI, which conducted camps in remote areas, so far we have screened 15000 children and SAHI has helped about 335 children with partial or total donation of cochlear implants,” explained Dr Kumar.

“The Apollo Cochlear Implant program was started to bring a ray of hope for several parents of stone deaf little children and brought these kids into the mainstream. Today, they are leading a life of dignity and are doing extremely well in their chosen path,” said Mr Y. Subramanyam, CEO, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad.