Latest news with #BrainstemEvokedResponseAudiometry
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Disabled woman shown disparity during test at GRH: Assn
Madurai: The Tamil Nadu Association for the Rights of All Types of Differently Abled and Caregivers Association (TARATDAC) held a demonstration at Madurai district collectorate on Tuesday, condemning the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) medical board for allegedly showing disparity when conducting audiometry test for a deaf and dumb woman to assess disability and behaving in an unprofessional manner. Protesters led by A Balamurugan, TARATDAC's district secretary, said an assessment by a medical board is necessary for getting disability ID cards and availing various schemes and benefits for persons with disabilities. "However, often there is disparity in the assessment of disability which leads to benefits getting denied for persons with genuine disabilities, simply because of a difference in percentage. In the case of one Lakshmi, who was diagnosed with 100% hearing loss at a private hospital, the GRH medical board, after audiometry assessment, came out saying she had only 60-70% hearing loss," said Balamurugan. He added that the doctors also allegedly told Lakshmi in a rude manner that she should accept their decision, or she will have to get an 'operation' done. Responding to the issue, GRH dean L Arul Sundaresh Kumar denied any mistreatment by doctors and that the Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) test has been recommended for a more objective result as it does not involve active participation of a patient and that the woman patient can come in again for the BERA test on Wednesday and get it done.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
PGI's miracle of sound: Infant gets hearing gift with implant
1 2 3 Chandigarh: In a medical accomplishment that resonates with profound hope for families battling the silence of deafness, PGI Chandigarh has successfully performed an Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI) on Abeer, a child barely 1.4 years old. This makes him one of the youngest recipients of this life-altering procedure in India, offering a lifeline where conventional hearing solutions have failed. For Abeer's mother, Shilpa, it ignites a deeply personal hope of hearing her son utter a single word – 'ma' even if it takes years of waiting. For Sumit and Shilpa, parents of little Abeer, life had been a silent, heart-wrenching struggle. "When Abeer was a year old, he just wasn't responding," recounts Shilpa, her voice still carrying the echoes of past pain. A Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry test at AIIMS Bathinda confirmed their deepest fears: profound deafness. The devastating news was compounded when an MRI revealed Abeer's hearing nerve was tragically undeveloped, ruling out the more common cochlear implant. "We were heartbroken," Shilpa admits, recalling their desperate journey to Delhi, only to hit a dead end. Abeer's father, Sumit is a businessman based in Bathinda and has relocated to Chandigarh for Abeer's treatment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Hope, however, glimmered when Abeer was identified at PGI as a candidate for the highly specialised ABI. This groundbreaking procedure bypasses the non-functional cochlea and auditory nerves, directly stimulating the brainstem to interpret sound. Prof Ramandeep Virk from the department of otolaryngology, the main surgeon for Abeer's case, said, "Abeer was born with Michels aplasia, a rare congenital malformation where inner ear structures are completely absent. For children like Abeer, ABI is the only viable path to sound," adding that "the youngest in India to be treated was a child at the age of 1.39 years, in 2018 in Chennai." While around 120 ABI surgeries have been performed across the country, most have taken place in private centres in Chennai, where the cost can soar to Rs 16-17 lakh for a single ear implant. At present, only Tamil Nadu government covers the expense of this surgery. "We have had a word with the Haryana government on coverage for this surgery for our paediatric population here in the PGI. Two of our patients have been offered assistance from the state government, and we are hoping for more," said Prof Virk. The surgery itself, independently performed by Prof Virk (ENT) and Dr Apinderpreet Singh (neurosurgery), presented immense challenges. "Operating on such a young child involves significant risks due to anaesthesia, potential blood loss, and delicate tissue handling," said Dr Ashwani Reddy, the anaesthesiologist involved in the case. Post-operative care is equally critical, requiring vigilant monitoring in the ICU for at least 48 hours to prevent complications. "Yet, the younger the age, the better the outcomes for hearing, making early intervention paramount," emphasised Dr Parul Sud, the audiologist for the case. The PGI team stressed that the journey ahead for Abeer is long as the implant in the brain has to be activated soon. "Unlike a cochlear implant, which sees learning within six months, an ABI works at the brain level, so learning takes much longer. Therapies will continue for three to four years, requiring immense patience," said Prof Virk. He underscored the importance of parental commitment, stating, "We seek only motivated parents, as it's not about numbers, but sustainability – the dedication to years of therapy and follow-ups. " This achievement marks PGI's second successful ABI. Their first, performed in 2022 on a 2.5-year-old girl, involved a team including Prof Naresh Panda, Dr Mohan Kameshwaran, and Dr Vasu, who had flown from Chennai to assist. "Abeer's surgery was initially scheduled two months prior, but a crucial airport closure during the Pahalgam incident prevented the visiting pioneer, Prof Kameshwaran, from arriving; otherwise, Abeer could have been the country's absolute youngest at that time," said Prof Virk. ABI can only be performed in children with inborn defects where the inner ear nerve connecting to the brain is missing. Those who have undergone a previous cochlear implant are not found suitable for the ABI. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
