Karnataka's hearing program targets 200 more children

Karnataka is set to expand its 'Aalisu Kanda' cochlear implant program, with plans for 200 additional implants for children with severe to profound hearing loss during the 2026-27 financial year. This initiative, implemented by the Health Department as part of the Shravan Dosh Mukta Abhiyan, aims to foster speech, language, and communication development through surgery and rehabilitation.

In the preceding 2025-26 financial year, 575 cochlear implant surgeries were completed. To ensure timely treatment, the department is procuring 200 new implants in two phases. The first phase will provide 75 implants for surgeries expected within the next one to two months, followed by another 125 implants within three months to meet beneficiary needs.

Early intervention is critical for children facing severe to profound hearing loss, as it impacts speech, language, and educational participation. The 'Aalisu Kanda' program emphasizes comprehensive care, including screening, audiological assessment, surgery, device activation, and crucial post-operative rehabilitation.

This rehabilitation includes structured Auditory-Verbal Therapy, regular follow-ups, and parental counseling. The department's integrated approach ensures children receive sustained support to develop listening, speech, and language skills, promoting their educational and social inclusion, including participation in mainstream education.