FAQs
on Cochlear implants
A cochlear implant is an electronic device which provides hearing to
severely deaf children and adults. Cochlear implants are the most important
advance in the treatment of severely deaf persons in the last century .
The Cochlear Implant is meant for those individuals whose deafness is so
severe that they are not helped even by the best hearing aids available today.
Hence, a cochlear implant is also known as a 'Bionic Ear'.
Worldwide, more than 40,000 implantees have benefited with cochlear
implants, and over 20,000 of these are children. If a child has severe
deafness since birth, he or she cannot hear any sound. Some of these deaf
children may be helped by powerful hearing aids. But, others of them will
not get benefit from hearing aids. Such children
cannot learn to speak and communicate as any individual has to hear sound to
develop speech and language. Hence, these children grow up as deaf and dumb adults.
Children who have been
implanted with successful results can hear,
understand conversation and develop language. As a result they can watch
television, listen to radio, talk on phone, go to college or school etc. Such children can
grow up to become useful and productive members of society.
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi is the first private institution in North
India to start a Cochlear Implant Program for hearing impaired individuals.
The Cochlear Implant Team comprising of Dr Asish K Lahiri, Dr Shalabh
Sharma and Audiologist Mrs Asha Agarwal have already operated successfully on
55 patients with excellent results, including a 12 months baby, the youngest
child in North India. The oldest is 74 yrs female. Many
patients are now under evaluation and on the waiting list.
For any queries, please contact:
Dr. A K Lahiri Ph 2216548, 9810714107,
lasish@yahoo.co.uk
Dr. Shalabh Sharma Ph
6146877, 6140774, 9810121977, shalabh@mantraonline.com
Mrs. Asha Agrawal Ph 5760300, 9810161532. asha_speech@yahoo.co.in
