Groundbreaking Cochlear Implant Surgery Performed on Youngest Patient in North India

Significant Milestone in Pediatric Healthcare

Munish Sood
KANGRA:
In a remarkable advancement for pediatric healthcare and ENT surgery, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College and Hospital in Tanda, located in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district, has successfully conducted cochlear implant surgery on a 14-month-old infant. This achievement marks the youngest patient in northern India to undergo such a procedure.
This groundbreaking surgery not only restored the child's hearing but also established a new standard for infant auditory rehabilitation in the region.
The operation took place during the nationally recognized “Cochlear BrahMos” workshop held from July 9 to 11, which gathered ENT surgeons and cochlear implant experts from across the country for live surgical demonstrations, academic discussions, and case-based learning.
Under the guidance of Dr. Munish Saroch, Head of the ENT Department, the medical team at Tanda performed three surgeries during the workshop, including two bilateral implants and one unilateral implant. The most notable was the successful cochlear implant in the 14-month-old child, who can now hear for the first time in his life.

Importance of Early Cochlear Implantation

Why this surgery matters

Cochlear implants are advanced electronic devices that bypass damaged sections of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve, facilitating hearing in individuals with severe sensorineural hearing loss. Performing this surgery at such a young age is both rare and clinically significant.
A study from the US published in JAMA Otolaryngology indicates that children who receive implants before 18 months exhibit significantly improved speech and language outcomes compared to those implanted later. Another research published in SAGE Open Medicine found that auditory brain development is most responsive before the age of two, and cochlear implants during this critical period lead to near-normal language development.
Global health authorities, including the US FDA and WHO, now advocate for implants as early as nine months in eligible infants, acknowledging the substantial developmental advantages.

A Landmark Achievement for Himachal Pradesh

Milestone for Himachal and beyond

This accomplishment underscores the increasing capabilities of government-run medical institutions in India. The ENT Department at Tanda Medical College has a reputation for advanced clinical care and surgical innovation, and this surgery firmly establishes it as a leader in pediatric ENT excellence on a national scale.
“The successful cochlear implant in a 14-month-old child represents a significant advancement for early hearing rehabilitation. It opens a new world for children born with profound hearing loss and enhances their cognitive, speech, and social development,” stated Dr. Munish Saroch.
The “Cochlear BrahMos” workshop also provided a platform for training the next generation of ENT professionals. Postgraduate students and young specialists gained invaluable exposure to cutting-edge surgical techniques, live procedures, and multidisciplinary learning, blending patient care with academic growth.

Addressing Hearing Loss in India

Hearing loss affects over 63 million in India

In India, over 63 million individuals are impacted by hearing loss, including many children born with congenital or early-onset deafness. Access to cochlear implants, once viewed as a luxury, is gradually becoming more accessible in India due to advancements in public healthcare, government support, and awareness initiatives.
In 2024, a five-month-old baby received India’s youngest cochlear implant at Sarvodaya Hospital in Faridabad. The case of Tanda’s 14-month-old now serves as a benchmark in public sector excellence, providing hope to countless children and their families who previously faced limited options.