In today's India, approximately 63 million people, accounting for about 6.3% of the population, face significant auditory impairment. This includes children as young as 6 months old. Apart from the impact on productivity and the economy, these hearing issues can also lead to a decline in confidence. Cochlear implants have emerged as a revolutionary approach to address these challenges. These technological advancements provide electronic assistance to improve hearing for individuals with severe hearing loss or complete deafness.
It's important to note that cochlear implants cannot fully restore hearing. However, they do enhance the ability to understand speech and perceive additional sounds.
But what exactly are cochlear implants?
A cochlear implant machine is a small, intricate electronic devices that offer a sense of sound to those who are completely deaf or have severe hearing loss. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants directly stimulate the damaged areas of the ear, sending signals to the hearing auditory nerve. While hearing aids are suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss and speech understanding difficulties, cochlear implants are designed for critical hearing issues and speech comprehension.
A cochlear hearing implant consists of several components:
A microphone that captures sound from the surroundings
A speech processor that receives and processes sound signals from the microphone
A receiver/stimulator and transmitter that convert the processed signals into electric stimulations
An electrode array comprising multiple electrodes that receive the stimulations from the stimulator and deliver them to different regions of the auditory nerve.
Different types of cochlear implants exist, primarily distinguished by the location of the external sound processor. The most common types include those positioned behind the ear, attached to garments, or placed on the scalp.
So, how does the cochlear implant procedure work?
The process typically involves an audiologist, specialists in the field of hearing impairment, and speech-language pathologists in a hospital or clinic setting. The surgery, lasting approximately two hours, is performed under general anesthesia to ensure the patient remains asleep throughout the procedure.
Here is a brief overview of the process:
The surgeon creates a small incision behind the ear and creates an opening in the mastoid bone to guide the electrode into the cochlea.
The implant electrodes are inserted into the cochlea.
An internal processor is placed between the muscle and bone behind the ear, receiving information from an external speech processor placed outside the skin.
After the incisions are closed, the patient is closely monitored in the recovery area before being discharged.
Ideal Candidates for Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants are suitable for both children and adults experiencing hearing loss or deafness. The Government of India's Cochlear Implant Program, initiated in 2018, successfully conducted around 1149 surgeries across the country. However, studies indicate that only a small fraction of people with hearing issues consider cochlear implants as a viable solution. It is essential to consult with an audiologist, ENT doctor, or specialist to determine if a cochlear implant is suitable for your specific needs.
For children, a cochlear implant machine are recommended for those aged 9 months and older. Early intervention is crucial during the critical period of language development. After the implantation, intensive language and speech therapy is highly beneficial. Children may be candidates for cochlear implants if they have significant hearing loss in both ears, experience profound hearing loss at the age of two or older, have unilateral hearing loss at the age of five or older, do not benefit from conventional hearing aids, and have no medical complications.
Adults, on the other hand, have more flexibility regarding cochlear implantation. It is an option regardless of whether they have lost their hearing completely or have acquired language skills. Adults who had language abilities prior to hearing loss or became deaf after acquiring language generally have a higher success rate. Suitable candidates for hearing implant devices are those with severe hearing loss in both ears, limited benefit from hearing aids, no medical contraindications, and a strong desire to reconnect with the world of hearing and communication.
The benefits of cochlear implants extend beyond improved hearing capacity, significantly enhancing the quality of life for individuals with severe hearing loss.
Some key advantages reported by cochlear implant recipients include:
Improved speech comprehension without relying on visual cues like lip reading
Enhanced ability to perceive sounds in everyday environments
Better understanding in noisy situations
Improved sound localization skills
Ability to listen to various sound sources such as television, telephone conversations, and music
Revolutionizing Cochlear Implants: Neubio India's Commitment to Accessibility and Transparency
Neubio is proud to be at the forefront of cochlear implant technology in India, offering the first made-in-India cochlear implant device that has successfully transferred its expertise from Switzerland to local production. What sets Neubio apart is their offering of electronic-free implants, designed and made in India, utilizing Swiss-designed technology.
Some standout features of Neubio's hearing implant devices include:
Passive implants that do not have any electronic components
Compact size, making them one of the thinnest implants available
ClearSound and Full-Spectrum Sound capabilities for optimal hearing experience
Fast and efficient surgery, less time under anaesthesia
Post-surgery support
We understand the distress and pain associated with hearing loss, and Neubio India is committed to providing a viable solution. As the best cochlear implant surgery provider, our commitment to manufacturing within the country brings several significant advantages, including greater transparency and customer support.
By producing hearing loss implants in India, Neubio ensures that patients and their healthcare providers have improved access to vital devices and accessories. Unlike imported devices, which often face challenges with replacement parts and extended delivery times, our in-country manufacturing enables quicker access to necessary components. This means that patients can receive prompt support, minimizing disruptions to their daily lives.
Moreover, Neubio's position in India contributes to the greater accessibility of cochlear implants for individuals with hearing loss. With increased transparency and local production, more people in India can benefit from these life-changing devices. Our mission is to make what was once only possible through imports available to all, aligning with the greater societal goal of providing equal opportunities and support to those in need.
At Neubio India, we prioritize the holistic well-being of our patients. Beyond offering cutting-edge features, our commitment to transparency and accessibility ensures that individuals with hearing loss can receive the necessary implants and ongoing support without unnecessary delays or complexities. We are dedicated to serving our community and fostering a society where hearing health is prioritized and everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy of sound.
Neubio India is excited to help transform lives and contribute to the greater good of a society that embraces inclusivity and accessibility for all.