CMC, LIC provide free implant surgeries for children with hearing loss

The Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, in association with LIC Golden Jubilee Foundation will provide free cochlear implant surgeries for children with hearing loss.

According to a press release, K. Murlidar, Zonal Manager, LIC (Southern Zonal Office, Chennai) inaugurated the plaque for the cochlear implant surgeries project.

The Department of Otolaryngology at CMC has performed cochlear implantation surgeries for 17 deserving children, providing them with a life-changing opportunity. With the support of LIC, which covered the cost of the implant, surgery, and therapy, these children were able to access this state-of-the-art technology.

““We are deeply grateful to LIC of India for their generous support, which enables us to provide this life-changing treatment at subsidised cost and brings hope to many children and their families,” said Vikram Mathews, Director, CMC.

Children born with congenital deafness fail to develop speech and are often labelled as deaf-mute. While hearing aids help those with mild to moderate hearing loss, children with profound deafness require advanced rehabilitative devices, such as a cochlear implant.

A cochlear implant is an electronic medical device that bypasses the damaged parts of the inner ear to provide a sense of sound to these children. Once the children begin to hear, they gradually start speaking with the help of intensive therapy. This intervention can transform their entire course of life, enabling them to integrate into regular schools and become functional members of society, the release said.