Cochlear Implant Clinic
The cochlear implant programme at Shruti ENT hospital is headed by Dr. Saumitra V Shah. Dr Shah introduced South Gujarat to cochlear implants in april 2008, after vigorous training under his mentor Dr. Prof Padmashree Mohan Kameswaran in MERF , Chennai. After which he went to train at estemmed HOUSE institute in USA, Bionic ear institute Austraila , Caussee clinic France and Netherlands. Since 2008 , he has succefully done more than 1000 cochlear implants on children of varied age group the youngest being a 7 month old boy.
The audiology team and Auditory verbal habilitation team includes two audiologist with equal expertise and experience. And six habilitationist who are dedicated to bring out the best in these children.
Shruti hospital has one of the most advanced & experienced Cochlear Implant Clinics in this part of the world. The CI Clinic is dedicated to individuals who are severe to profoundly hearing challenged. The goals of this clinic, is to meticulously evaluate the hearing loss with advanced computerized electrophysiological tests & perform a comprehensive work up for cochlear implantation which includes Radio-imaging, CI Counseling & preparation for CI Surgery.
Prior to CI surgery this clinic follows a protocol wherein each hearing deprived child is evaluated for syndromic associations & higher mental functions. Eye testing is done by an Ophthalmologist & Vaccination is provided by our Pediatrician prior to surgery. The child is also evaluated by Occupational therapist & Clinical Psychologist for bringing out their best performance with Cochlear Implantation. This clinic also provides an opportunity for parents of potential implantees to meet & interact with other Cochlear Implantees & their parents in order to understand the CI program, its benefits and also get an orientation to Auditory Verbal Therapy prior to surgery.
All candidates who undergo Cochlear Implantation, routinely follow up at the CI clinic for periodic assessment of their Implant function & if required to troubleshoot any problems with the implant by electrophysiological testing & Mapping. Over 800 Cochlear Implants have been performed till date at Shruti , making it one of the largest & pioneering clinics in India. The hallmark of the Shruti Cochlear Implant Program has been the in-house well equipped & state of the art Auditory Verbal Habilitation Unit.
Shruti ENT hospital is the only private hospital to ink an MOU with the Government of Gujarat and provide free cochlear implant surgeries to people of Gujarat under the prestigious RBSK Scheme.