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conferenceseries
.com
Volume 7, Issue 5 (Suppl)
Otolaryngol
ISSN: 2161-119X Otolaryngol, an open access journal
Otolaryngology 2017
October 18-19, 2017
October 18-19, 2017 Dubai, UAE
4
th
International Conference on
Rhinology and Otology
The challenges in starting cochlear implant program in non-metropolitan cities of India
Rohit Goyal
Max Super Specialty Hospital, India
D
eafness is indeed a silent disability in many parts of the world and the majority of people who have hearing impairment
live in non-metropolitan cities of developing countries. With rising economy and increasing population developing
nations have become hub of industrialization; hearing loss is increasing in these countries. In this review, the authors have
elected to focus the discussion on non-metropolitan cities of India to frame the challenges of cochlear implants in a developing
country. is article reviews the common causes of hearing loss, the challenges faced by those with hearing impairment and
why the penetration of these devices is low and also reviews some reasons for the inability of the government to support the
implant program in non-metropolitan cities of India. Early identi cation of hearing is crucial towards ensuring appropriate
hearing rehabilitation; it is, however, challenged by various factors, including public awareness, absence of a national new born
screening program, accessibility to diagnostic centres, availability of trained personnel and equipment and patient a ordability.
Cochlear implants are a proven auditory rehabilitative option for individuals with severe to profound sensorineural hearing
loss, who otherwise do not bene ting from hearing aids. Nevertheless, only a small percentage of these individuals receive
cochlear implants and cost remains a leading prohibitive factor, particularly in developing countries. For example, in India,
the personal average annual income is well below 3 lakh whereas these devices cost from 10 to 12 lakhs exclusive of hospital
and sta fees. Hence, the technology is virtually unavailable to the masses. To overcome the cost limitation of those who would
bene t from cochlear implants countries such as India have started to develop their own indigenous implants.
rohit.goyal@maxhealthcare.comOtolaryngol 2017, 7:5 (Suppl)
DOI: 10.4172/2161-119X-C1-023