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Child Hears Again After Groundbreaking Brain Implant
3 Mar
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.
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.
Doctors emphasized that hearing loss is often a hidden disability, with families frequently delaying seeking help. This can hinder a child's speech and development, as hearing milestones are missed. AIIMS has implemented universal newborn hearing screening since 2021 to identify issues early.
The specialists noted that not all hearing loss requires surgery; simple causes like earwax or infections are common and treatable. In older adults, age-related hearing loss affects a significant portion of those over 60. However, untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation and potentially cognitive decline.
