The management of PSG Hospitals and the department of ENT have announced that the 'Cochlear implant program' (for hearing disability) has been approved by the Tamil Nadu Government under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS). The government has earmarked Rs.7.9 lakhs for this purpose.
So from hereon, patients suffering from hearing disability from poor socio-economic status can also avail quality care free of charge. The entire treatment including investigations and surgery will be covered under the scheme.
A deaf child will not develop speech naturally. If such disorders are not created before the child turns four, then the child may not be able to speak at all. Hence, it becomes of paramount importance to identify such disabilities during their infancy stage and treat them appropriately.
Cochlear implant (CI) is the treatment offered to these patients. It involves implantation of a hearing device in the inner ear. The surgery is simple and also involves post surgical rehabilitation, wherein the child is taught to speak by a trained audiologist.
The cochlear implant program is headed by Dr.R.Anand, and Dr.Palaninathan. And, the team has successfully carried out 50 cochlear implant surgeries including international patients.
In India, 63 million people (6.3%) suffer from significant auditory loss. Nationwide disability surveys have estimated hearing loss to be the second most common cause of disability. The high burden of deafness globally and in India is largely preventable and avoidable. Lack of skilled manpower and human resources further aggravate the problem.