Cochlear Implant Best Solution For Severe Hearing Loss, Says ENT Expert Amit Ganguli | FP Photo
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Dr. Amit Ganguli, a noted ENT specialist, has said that hearing loss has become the most common sensory deficit among humans today, with children aged 0 to 14 years making up a large percentage of those suffering from significant auditory impairment.
In an exclusive interview with Free Press, Dr Ganguli addressed various issues related to ear, nose, and throat, highlighting the rise in hearing loss among children and the importance of timely intervention. Some key takeaways from the conversation.
Sinusitis is a common problem during winter and weather fluctuation. Can you explain? Sinusitis is an inflammation of the tissue lining the sinuses. It can be caused by bacterial infections, viral infections, or allergies, leading to blocked sinuses filled with fluid. Medical treatment is necessary, and in severe cases, surgical intervention may be required.
Tonsillitis is a major concern for children, especially in winter. What is your take on this? Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, often caused by a viral infection, which can later lead to bacterial attacks and pus formation. Symptoms include swollen tonsils, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and tender lymph nodes.
If pus forms due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed. Is there a permanent cure for tonsillitis? Surgery to remove the tonsils, which was once common, is now usually reserved for cases where tonsillitis occurs frequently, doesn’t respond to other treatments, or causes severe complications.
Children suffering from hearing loss is a growing concern. What solutions are available? Cochlear implants, which are surgically placed inside the ear, are the best solution for severe hearing loss. These implants help restore hearing function, especially when diagnosed in newborns. Early detection and cochlear implantation at a young age enable normal language development.
Testing methods like the Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) test are used to screen infants for hearing problems. Cochlear implants can be expensive, with costs ranging from ?8.5 lakh to ?12 lakh, while the Ayushman Bharat scheme covers only up to ?5 lakh. How can families manage this expense? The Union government offers financial assistance through the ADIP (Assistance to Persons with Disabilities) scheme.
This programme provides grants to people with disabilities for purchasing assistive devices, including cochlear implants, to improve their functioning. Moreover, the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness also helps with the cost of implants for eligible individuals. Many mothers use mustard oil in their babies’ ears.
Is this advisable? No, using oil in the ear is not recommended. Oil does not dissolve ear wax and can cause fungal infections. It’s best to use carbonic solvents or ear drops that are specifically designed for ear care. Oil should be avoided as it can lead to further complications.
