KOCHI:
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) up to 5 in every 1000 infants have severe-to-profound hearing impairment. In India, over 27,000 children are born deaf every year in India. Hearing impairment or loss is often neglected as it cannot be seen and in most cases the diagnosis is delayed. On World Hearing Day (March 03, 2021), 22-year-old Rizwana, received her cochlear implant at a young age shares her experience.
Rizwana PA, Cochlear implant recipient and MBBS student of Kottayam Medical College says, “Having come a long way in my hearing journey, I can testify the importance of screening and early intervention. My life changed completely after being able to hear with my Cochlear implants and I wish to share that joy of hearing with many others. Hence, I decided to become a doctor and specialise in ENT to make a positive impact in the lives of those with hearing loss. On this occasion of World Hearing Day, I want to ask everyone to please be aware of available options so that no one misses out on a life with hearing.”
The Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) helps in early detection of congenital hearing loss and this test is vital to detect hearing impairment in newborn babies and to ensure early intervention. While UNHS screening in mandatory in other developed countries, meanwhile in India it is not included it in the list of mandatory health screening procedures for newborn except Kerala. In the absence of a screening program, parents are still dependent to identify hearing loss in children through language learning and comprehension over a period. Such delays cost children up to 24 months of precious time of cognitive development. In contrast, children in countries where UNHS is implemented can take corrective measure through early intervention by as low as six months.
Dr Mohammed Asheel, Executive Director, Kerala Social Security Mission, spoke about the cochlear implant scheme in the state. “Currently, newborn screening for hearing is being done in all 61 (delivery points) Government hospitals in Kerala and in most private hospitals. Around 1200 children have been operated under the Cochlear Implant Scheme in the state in the last 8 years. It is amazing to see how the lives of so many children in our state are being transformed. This World Hearing Day, I urge everyone to work together to spread awareness on all platforms so we can tackle hearing loss effectively so that they too can have a bright future like Rizwana’s.”
Many like Rizwana have benefitted from advanced technology of cochlear implants and are able to lead normal lives. But unfortunately, there are many more who do not get help on time and live on with hearing issues.
Speaking on spreading awareness, Dr. Muhammed Noushad, Director, Dr. Noushad’s ENT Hospital and Research Centre, Kochi said, “Four out of every 1,000 children are born deaf in India, with about 25,000 babies born with hearing loss every year. If hearing aid does not help then Cochlear Implant remains the only solution to give them their hearing, with some rehabilitation post implant they can return to their routine life. Under the Kerala government’s Sruthitharangam programme, we have more than 1200 children receiving the gift of hearing and our center has done more than 500 Cochlear implant surgeries at our hospital. Seeing these kids bounce back to life and have promising futures is extremely fulfilling.”
It is very important for parents, teachers, caretakers, guardians, and physicians to carefully observe the child for any signs for hearing loss and seek medical intervention at an early stage. If not taken note of, hearing loss is a lifetime loss for a child that can lead to developmental challenges, emotional issues, self-esteem struggle, and societal challenges.
