E-device takes deaf to world of sounds

Mysore-based All India Institute of Speech and Hearing in association with Cochlear, an Australian company, is driving a novel programme "" to provide hi-tech electronic implants at cheaper prices to people suffering from acute hearing difficulties.

The electronic device, which has been made available to the institute by Cochlear, costs between Rs 5.12 lakh and Rs 8.96 lakh, depending on the need. It can be surgically implanted for those who suffer from acute hearing difficulties.

While the surgery costs Rs 75,000 at a government hospital, the two-year post-implant training costs about Rs 10,000.

These charges are the lowest offered in the country, said Dr M Jayaram, director of the Institute speaking to Business Standard.

A 10-year old boy and a 4-year old girl are the first patients to undergo cochlear implants.

If done at an early stage, cochlear implants help children with congenital hearing difficulties move from 'the world of silence' to the 'world of sound,' improving their speech and language, Dr Jayaram said.