KATHMANDU: Nepal Mediciti Hospital successfully completed a 'cochlear implant' through surgery for the first time in Nepal.
A cochlear implant is an electronic device that improves hearing. It can be an option for people who have severe hearing loss from inner ear damage or those who are not able to hear well with hearing aids.
Nepal Mediciti started 'Cochlear Implant' service by performing surgery on a patient, on Sunday.
According to Dr Toran KC, Head of the ENT Department at the hospital, Nepal Mediciti is the first private hospital to provide this service in Nepal. Prof Dr JM Hans from India came to Nepal and helped the doctors of Nepal Mediciti with Cochlea surgery. Meanwhile, Bir Hospital also started the Cochlear Implant service on Saturday itself. Cochlear Implant surgery was performed on two patients at the hospital.
Meanwhile, an interaction programme between the medical college and ENT doctors was also held on the initiative of Nepal Mediciti.
When the ear mechanism or inner ear does not work, Cochlear Implant surgery should be done. Dr KC said, "When the cochlea does not work, a person cannot hear at all, that's why this device is an alternative."
“After cochlear implant surgery, it is necessary to rehabilitate the patient as the next day the person cannot hear, and it takes time. So usually after two or three weeks of surgery, the device is turned and there is a whole process of rehabilitation, during which they are given hearing therapy,” said Dr KC.
According to Dr KC, cochlear implant surgery is performed on those who are born deaf or who have lost their hearing over time. The ideal time for surgery for those born with hearing loss is within one year of birth.
The causes of deterioration of cochlea include hereditary factors in some people while others may have under-developed conditions. In some cases, an infection may damage the cochlea. It may be damaged due to lack of oxygen in a newborn. If the cochlea is damaged due to high fever, high jaundice, and meningitis, the person may be permanently deaf.
