A multidisciplinary approach of ENT experts along with efficient decision-making processes results in a successful hearing for a nine-month-old girl

New Delhi: Nine-month-old Mannat from Gurugram, India, faced a challenging start in life due to total hearing loss. With both parents and an aunt being completely deaf and mute, Mannat’s family history suggested a hereditary predisposition to the condition.

Early signs emerged at six months when Mannat displayed no response to common sounds like household noises or environmental stimuli. She also lacked age-appropriate reactions like sound localization, head-turning, or startled responses to auditory cues. A local audiologist’s screening raised initial concerns, prompting a referral for further evaluation at Sarvodaya Hospital, Sec 8, Faridabad.

At Sarvodaya, specialists confirmed Mannat’s hearing loss through various tests, including Behavioral Observation Audiometry (BOA), Tympanometry, Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), and Auditory Steady-state Response (ASSR). Imaging studies like CT and MRI scans of the temporal bone were conducted to rule out structural abnormalities in the inner ear, auditory nerve, and surrounding structures.

Given the absence of structural issues and the severity of the hearing loss, Dr. Ravi Bhatia, Director & Head of ENT and Cochlear Implant at Sarvodaya Hospital recommended cochlear implant surgery. “Mannat’s lack of structural defects made her an ideal candidate for this procedure” Dr. Bhatia explained. The surgery itself was successful, with normal intraoperative responses and no complications. Mannat recovered swiftly and was discharged the next day.

Following surgery, Mannat’s progress was remarkable. She exhibited immediate auditory responses and continued to show steady improvement. After a three-week activation period for the implant, she demonstrated enhanced sound localization, increased awareness of her surroundings, and even began vocalizing and babbling. Consistent use of the speech processor is crucial for optimal long-term results. Over the next year, Mannat will undergo regular monitoring to assess her auditory development, speech and language acquisition, and cochlear implant function.

The surgery was supported by The Hans Foundation, which took charge of the total surgical cost, aiding Mannat’s family by reducing the financial burden. This case exemplifies the power of a multidisciplinary approach in healthcare. Otolaryngologists, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, and medical professionals like paediatricians, neurologists, cardiologists, and anesthesiologists all played crucial roles in Mannat’s diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.

“Mannat’s prognosis is positive, with the expectation of age-appropriate development in both hearing and speech-language skills. We anticipate minimal long-term rehabilitation needs compared to other cases”, he added,” Mannat’s case is a true example where early intervention helped the little girl get the gift of sound, even before she turned one. Parents often miss the early signs of hearing loss in their children. This means the child doesn’t get the surgery they need at the right age. Sometimes, even when parents do notice, financial difficulties prevent them from getting their child the necessary treatment. But with Early intervention by experts and the support of organisations like the Hans Foundation, children can undergo this life-changing surgery and rehabilitation, irrespective of their financial background.”

Dr. Saurabh Gahlote, Hospital’s Medical Administrator shared, “It is quite rare to operate infants for such surgeries, and we are one of the few centres who have performed cochlear implant surgeries successfully on children who are even less than a year old. Mannat is one of the youngest patients to undergo successful cochlear implant surgery at our centre. Her case is a testament to our spirit of dedicated patient care, from the first point of doctor consultation to post-surgery rehabilitation. Our Cochlear Implant Centre is a state-of-the-art facility, well equipped with modern modalities and brings an experienced team of ENT surgeons, speech therapists, vestibular physical therapists, auditory-verbal therapists, and audiologists. At Sarvodaya, we keep striving to bring innovative treatment techniques and technologies to serve the people with the best medical facilities and compassionate care in their greatest hour of need.”

Furthermore, this case underscores the importance of comprehensive patient counselling, particularly in situations involving complex family histories. Effective communication and collaboration among various specialists, along with streamlined decision-making processes,