New Delhi: The Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Department at Army Hospital (R&R) in Delhi Cantt. has successfully performed 50 simultaneous cochlear implants in the last 18 months, making it the sole government hospital in the country to achieve this remarkable feat.
The cochlear implant is an advanced medical device that enables individuals with hearing disabilities to become fully integrated into society. It allows them to hear by utilizing the implant. The affordability of this equipment has always been a concern, limiting its accessibility to a larger population.
In most government-funded programs, children are typically only given one cochlear implant. However, it has been realized by the Armed Forces Medical Services that the benefits of hearing in both ears far outweigh the costs involved.
In March 2022, the policy for cochlear implant for hearing-impaired patients in the Armed Forces was revised and simultaneous bilateral (in both ears) implants were included. This was the first policy in the country bringing medical standards at par with developed countries.
The Army Hospital (R&R) is the apex hospital of the Armed Forces and is presently being commanded by Lt Gen Ajith Nilakantan who specialises in ENT and Head and Neck Oncosurgery.
