SGPGI Lucknow Emerges as Premier Center for Complex Cochlear Implant Surgeries
Patients requiring intricate cochlear implant procedures, particularly children and elderly individuals, will no longer need to undertake arduous journeys to specialized centers like AIIMS in Delhi or SGPGI in Chandigarh. The Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in Lucknow has significantly upgraded its neuro-otology unit, establishing itself as a comprehensive hub for managing both routine and complex cases.
Advanced Diagnostic Tools Enhance Surgical Planning and Outcomes
According to Dr. Ravi Sankar, the head of the unit, the laboratory has been equipped with cutting-edge hearing assessment instruments. "We have transformed into a one-stop center for the planning and management of cochlear implant cases," Dr. Sankar stated. He emphasized that approximately 30% of cases fall into the 'complex' category, where nerves involved in the hearing process may be damaged. "Given the surgical risks and procedural costs, high-quality testing facilities are absolutely critical for informed decision-making," he added.
The institute has incorporated several sophisticated technologies:
- Electrically Evoked ABR (eABR): This tool confirms proper implant functionality and aids in programming and follow-up care.
- P300 (Cortical Auditory Evoked Potential): Assists in the early detection of hearing loss in newborns.
- VEMP (Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential): Enhances accurate diagnosis and treatment selection for various disorders.
These additions facilitate better monitoring during surgeries and more effective tracking of treatment outcomes, benefiting individuals of all ages with hearing difficulties.
Addressing a Silent Disability with State-of-the-Art Services
Prof. RK Dhiman, Director of SGPGI, highlighted the importance of timely intervention. "Hearing loss is a silent disability that worsens with delay but responds exceptionally well to early action," he remarked. The availability of advanced services at the institute is expected to provide superior facilities for residents of Lucknow and surrounding districts, reducing the burden of travel and associated expenses.
Global and Local Prevalence of Hearing Loss
World Health Organization estimates reveal a staggering global impact:
- 95.1 million children and adolescents (aged 5-19) worldwide live with hearing loss.
- When adults are included, this number escalates to 1.5 billion people, representing about 20% of the global population.
In India, the situation is particularly concerning:
- 4 to 6 children per 1,000 live births are born with congenital deafness.
- In Uttar Pradesh, this rate varies between 1 to 6 children per 1,000 live births.
The upgraded facilities at SGPGI Lucknow are poised to make a significant difference in addressing these challenges, offering hope and improved healthcare access to countless individuals affected by hearing impairments.
