Anantnag, Dec 13: In a major milestone for tertiary healthcare in South Kashmir, the Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag has successfully started cochlear implant surgeries, offering renewed hope to children born with severe to profound hearing loss. The latest procedure, the third such surgery at the institution, was performed by the Department of ENT, marking a significant step toward advanced hearing rehabilitation in the region.
Dr Aamir Yousuf, Head of the Department of ENT at GMC Anantnag, said the initiative is aimed primarily at children with congenital deafness, who often suffer lifelong consequences due to delayed diagnosis and lack of access to specialised care.
“We have recently started cochlear implant surgeries at GMC Anantnag, and today, the third case was successfully operated upon. These surgeries are mainly for children with congenital deafness. It is a very rewarding surgery because it can completely change a child’s life,” Dr Aamir said.
He explained that cochlear implants are particularly crucial for children in whom conventional hearing aids fail to provide benefit. Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants bypass damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve, allowing sound signals to reach the brain.
“Many children in our society suffer from congenital deaf-mutism, but unfortunately, diagnosis is often delayed. Early detection and timely implantation—ideally before the age of three—can help these children develop near-normal speech and language skills,” he said.
The doctor emphasised the importance of newborn and early childhood hearing screening, noting that hearing loss is not visible at birth and often goes unnoticed until speech delay becomes obvious.
While welcoming the start of cochlear implant services at GMC Anantnag, Dr Yousuf acknowledged that the high cost of implants remains a significant limitation for many families.
“The surgery itself is highly satisfying from a medical point of view, but the implant is costly, and that becomes a major constraint. Many deserving children cannot undergo the procedure due to financial limitations,” he said, adding that greater government support and awareness about existing schemes are urgently needed.
Healthcare experts say the availability of cochlear implant surgeries at GMC Anantnag will reduce the need for families to travel to far-off centres outside the region, easing both financial and emotional burdens. The move is being seen as a critical advancement in specialised ENT services in south Kashmir.
Doctors at the institution reiterated that cochlear implantation is not merely about restoring hearing but about restoring futures—enabling children to speak, learn, attend regular schools, and integrate fully into society.
With increasing awareness, early screening, and institutional support, medical professionals believe that many children who once lived in silence can now step into a world filled with sound, communication, and opportunity—(KNO)
