What is an auditory brain stem implant?

An auditory brain stem implant bypasses damaged auditory nerves to directly stimulate the hearing centers in the brain.

What is the significance of the AIIMS surgery?

AIIMS performed the first auditory brain stem implant on a child, helping a five-year-old regain hearing after nerve damage.

Why is hearing loss considered a hidden disability?

Hearing loss is considered hidden because it is not visible, often leading families to delay seeking essential medical help.

Home / Health / Child Hears Again After Groundbreaking Brain Implant

Child Hears Again After Groundbreaking Brain Implant

3 Mar

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Summary

Five-year-old boy regained hearing with AIIMS auditory brain stem implant.
Implant bypasses damaged nerves, directly stimulating brain's hearing centers.
Hearing loss is a hidden disability, often delaying crucial treatment.

Child Hears Again After Groundbreaking Brain Implant

A five-year-old boy, who lost his hearing due to meningitis, has successfully received an auditory brain stem implant at AIIMS, making him the first child to undergo the procedure. This surgery, performed about 18 months ago, is reserved for rare cases where conventional cochlear implants are not viable.

The auditory brain stem implant works by bypassing damaged auditory nerves and directly stimulating the brain's hearing centers. Following the device's activation and consistent speech therapy, the child has demonstrated significant progress, beginning to recognize environmental sounds and articulate speech more clearly.