KEM Hospital Helps 650 Children Hear with Cochlear Implants
KEM Hospital has successfully conducted cochlear implant surgeries for 650 children, giving them the ability to hear. The milestone was celebrated during a ‘Listen of Life’ event, which coincided with Ratan Tata’s birth anniversary. The program, aimed at helping the children and their families navigate the journey ahead, included guidance on integrating the cochlear implants into their everyday lives.
In India, many children are born with hearing impairments but miss early hearing tests, leaving some parents unaware or in denial of their child’s condition. This often results in irreversible hearing loss. To address this, KEM Hospital has launched a significant initiative to not only provide life-changing surgeries but also to educate and support parents in making timely decisions for their children’s hearing health. Since 2017, the Tata Trust has provided INR 30 crore in funding, enabling the hospital to carry out these surgeries for children from underprivileged backgrounds. The ‘Listen of Life’ event served as an opportunity to raise awareness and emphasize the importance of early intervention.
As part of the initiative, a dedicated bank account is opened for every child who undergoes cochlear implantation. This account is intended to cover the ongoing maintenance of the cochlear implant systems, ensuring long-term access to hearing solutions. Dr. Hetal Marfatia, the Head of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department at KEM Hospital, explained that this financial support helps families manage the costs of upkeep for the implants. Chaitanya Kumar from Tata Trust highlighted the critical importance of follow-up care after a cochlear implant, particularly when performed at a young age. He stressed that consistent monitoring and care are essential to ensure the long-term success of the implants. Through this initiative, KEM Hospital and Tata Trust are providing a brighter future for children with hearing impairments, offering them the opportunity to lead more connected lives.
