Patna: The Department of ENT (Otorhinolaryngology), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, today commemorated World Cochlear Implant Day at the Nursing College Building, AIIMS Patna, with a special awareness and outreach programme dedicated to hearing restoration and rehabilitation.
Observed worldwide, World Cochlear Implant Day highlights the transformative power of cochlear implant technology in restoring hearing and enabling speech, education and social integration for individuals with profound hearing loss.
The programme was inaugurated by Prof. (Brig.) Dr. Raju Agarwal, Executive Director, AIIMS Patna, who emphasized the importance of early detection and timely intervention in childhood hearing loss to ensure better speech and developmental outcomes.
Dr. Kranti Bhavana, Professor and Head, Department of ENT, also addressed the gathering and reiterated the department’s commitment to comprehensive hearing care. She highlighted that early cochlear implantation, combined with structured rehabilitation and regular follow-up, can significantly improve speech development, learning ability and overall quality of life.
The event featured an expert lecture on cochlear implants and hearing rehabilitation, interaction with recipients and their families, sharing of inspiring beneficiary success stories and a media interaction session.
A few children and some adults who had previously undergone cochlear implant surgeries at AIIMS Patna were present at the programme and expressed their happiness and gratitude. On the occasion, dignitaries cut a cake along with the children, fed them and presented them with gifts, making the celebration joyful and memorable.
Since launching its cochlear implant programme in 2014, AIIMS Patna has successfully performed nearly 400 cochlear implant surgeries, establishing itself as a leading public-sector centre for advanced hearing restoration in Bihar and adjoining regions. The department has developed a comprehensive, end-to-end hearing rehabilitation ecosystem supported by experienced ENT surgeons, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, advanced diagnostic facilities, modern modular operation theatres and structured post-implant mapping and therapy services.
Cochlear implantation services are provided at highly subsidized rates in collaboration with MED-EL India Pvt Ltd. Financial assistance is available under major government schemes including the Chief Minister Relief Fund (Bihar), Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) and the ADIP Scheme, ensuring wider access for economically disadvantaged families.
The event was also graced by Prof. Dr. Anoop Kumar, Medical Superintendent, Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Pandey, Dean (Research), Prof. (Dr.) Ruchi Sinha, Dean (Students’ Affairs), along with senior faculty members and staff of the Department of ENT.
The programme reinforced the importance of early screening, timely surgical intervention and structured rehabilitation in transforming the lives of individuals with hearing impairment.
Through sustained clinical excellence and compassionate public healthcare delivery, AIIMS Patna continues to transform silence into opportunity one life, one sound, at a time.
