In a remarkable medical achievement, one-year-old Chander (name changed) from Bangalore successfully underwent an intricate cochlear implant surgery at SPARSH Hospital, restoring his ability to hear. Cochlear implants bypass damaged parts of the ear to directly stimulate the auditory nerve, generating signals that travel to the brain and are interpreted as sound.

Chander's parents, concerned about his lack of response to loud noises, brought him to SPARSH Hospital. After a thorough evaluation, doctors discovered that he had bilateral profound hearing loss due to genetic factors. Despite his young age, the medical team decided to proceed with cochlear implant surgery to bypass the blockage in his cochlea, enabling him to perceive sound.

The evaluation revealed that while Chander’s overall anatomy was normal, a genetic condition affected the cells in his cochlea, preventing him from perceiving hearing signals. After an unsuccessful trial with a hearing aid, doctors opted for cochlear implant surgery. This procedure involved implanting a small electronic device with internal and external components directly into Chander’s cochlea.

The surgery, complex due to Chander's tender age, required precise planning. The external device, resembling a hearing aid, is operated by the wearer. The internal component's implantation involved making a small 5 cm incision behind the ear to create a pocket in the skull. Electrodes were carefully guided into the ear through a bone channel, avoiding the facial nerve. Once securely in place, the external device, which looks like a hearing aid, is attached to the internal device using a magnet. Despite the challenges, excellent surgical planning and anesthesia care ensured a successful outcome. Chander recovered well, spending a few days in the ward receiving routine antibiotic injections before being discharged on the third day without complications.

“This procedure may seem simple, but it requires precision. The implant alone constitutes only 30% to 35% of the process; more emphasis should be put on post-implant speech therapy. The activation of the device, typically occurring three to four weeks post-surgery, marks the beginning of the child's auditory journey,” commented Dr. Basharat Nadeem, Consultant Otologist and Cochlear Implant Surgeon at SPARSH Hospital Infantry Road, Bangalore. “We are happy that Chander had no complications post-surgery and has returned to his normal life.”

Despite his young age, Chander's surgery has given him a new lease on life. SPARSH Hospital's commitment to delivering compassionate and precise medical care ensures better health outcomes for patients of all ages.