Apollo Hospitals Bhubaneswar Celebrates 10 Years of Successful Cochlear Implant Program
In a remarkable milestone for Apollo Hospitals Bhubaneswar, the renowned healthcare institution is celebrating a decade of excellence in its Cochlear Implant Program. Since its inception ten years ago, the program has transformed the lives of countless individuals with hearing impairments, offering them a new lease on life through cutting-edge medical technology and compassionate care.
The Cochlear Implant Program at Apollo Hospitals Bhubaneswar stands as a beacon of hope for those suffering from profound hearing loss. Over the past decade, the hospital has remained at the forefront of cochlear implantation surgery, leveraging state-of-the-art equipment and a team of highly skilled specialists to deliver life-changing outcomes for patients of all ages.
One inspiring success story involving cochlear implants is that of Smruti. She was born with a severe hearing impairment and relied heavily on lip-reading and hearing aids to communicate. However, even with these aids, her hearing was limited, and she often struggled to fully engage in conversations and activities.
In 2018, Smruti underwent cochlear implant surgery, which was captured on video and shared online. The emotional moment when Smruti’s cochlear implant was activated, and she heard her own voice clearly for the first time went viral, touching the hearts of millions worldwide
Following the activation of her cochlear implants, Smruti’s life changed dramatically. She described the experience as hearing the world in “high definition” for the first time. Simple sounds like birds chirping, footsteps, and the voices of her loved ones became clear and recognisable. Smruti was able to communicate more effectively, participate in conversations effortlessly, and enjoy previously inaccessible aspects of life, such as listening to music and enjoying the sounds of nature.
Smruti’s story not only highlights the transformative impact of cochlear implants on individual lives but also serves as a source of hope and inspiration for others facing similar challenges. It underscores the importance of advances in medical technology and the profound difference they can make in improving the quality of life for individuals with hearing impairments. Another remarkable success story of a post-lingual deaf cochlear implant recipient is Mr Barik. He lost his hearing around the age of 48years of unknown cause. Despite this profound hearing loss, he was determined to overcome his challenges and lead a fulfilling life.
After his cochlear implant he quickly adapted to hearing. He learned to speak and communicate effectively and joined back his job after a month. His story serves as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of cochlear implants on the lives of post-lingual deaf individuals. His work continues to raise awareness and promote greater understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with hearing loss, while also highlighting the immense potential for success with cochlear implants.
One of our recent kid named Bhagyashree got her speech processor which is very small and trendy. She is very happy wearing this and participating comfortably with the rehab programme.
Dr. Suryakanta Pradhan. Senior Consultant – Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Department and Cochlear Implant Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals Bhubaneswar, reflected on the journey of the Cochlear Implant Program, stating, “Our mission has always been to restore the gift of hearing to those who have been deprived of it. Over the past ten years, we have witnessed countless success stories, where patients have regained their ability to communicate and reconnect with the world around them.”
The success of the program can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the expertise of the medical team, the comprehensive pre-operative evaluation process, and the post-operative rehabilitation support provided to patients. From the initial consultation to the implantation surgery and beyond, patients at Apollo Hospitals Bhubaneswar receive personalised care tailored to their specific needs.
One of the key highlights of the Cochlear Implant Program is its emphasis on patient education and empowerment. Before undergoing surgery, patients and their families are provided with extensive information about cochlear implants, including the benefits, risks, and expectations. This proactive approach ensures that patients are well-informed and actively involved in their treatment journey.
In addition to serving the local community in Bhubaneswar, Apollo Hospitals has also extended its reach to underserved regions through outreach programs and telemedicine initiatives. This commitment to accessibility and inclusivity has enabled individuals from across the state of Odisha to benefit from life-changing cochlear implant surgeries.
Financial constraints can indeed be a significant barrier for accessing cochlear implant technology, which can be costly due to the device itself, surgical procedures, and ongoing therapy. However, we have adopted several strategies to overcome these challenges like government assistance programs, charitable foundations, and grants specifically aimed at assisting with hearing-related expenses. Now we are running several programs where we are doing free of cost implants and post operative rehabilitation.
Looking ahead, Apollo Hospitals Bhubaneswar remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the field of cochlear implantation and improving the quality of life for individuals with hearing impairments. As technology continues to evolve and medical breakthroughs emerge, the hospital is poised to build upon its legacy of excellence and continue transforming lives for years to come.
As the Cochlear Implant Program marks its tenth anniversary, Apollo Hospitals Bhubaneswar reaffirms its dedication to serving humanity with compassion, innovation, and excellence.