VIMS offers free cochlear implants, emerges as key care hub

The Visakha Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS) is emerging as a key public healthcare centre for cochlear implant surgeries. It offers free treatment to children with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who gain little benefit from hearing aids.

In the first three months of this year, the institute performed seven cochlear implant surgeries. These included four bilateral and three unilateral procedures. Private hospitals charge ₹15 lakh to ₹20 lakh for such surgeries. VIMS provides them free under schemes such as Dr NTR Vaidya Seva.

Hospital authorities said doctors have performed nearly 30 cochlear implant surgeries so far. This has helped them build strong expertise. Patients now visit VIMS from north coastal Andhra Pradesh and other districts.

VIMS Director Dr K Rambabu said the programme began in 2018 and has expanded steadily. “In the first quarter, about 3,000 patients used ENT outpatient services. Another 130 patients received inpatient care. VIMS became the first hospital in Andhra Pradesh to perform bilateral cochlear implant surgeries,” he said.

Post-operative rehabilitation plays a key role in recovery. Children receive auditory-verbal therapy, speech training, and listening exercises. Parents and schools actively support language and social development.

VIMS also offers a wide range of ENT procedures. These include treatment for tonsils and adenoids, septum correction, middle ear surgeries, eardrum repair, and sinusitis care. The hospital also provides voice therapy and airway repair.

Dr Rambabu said the hospital matches corporate institutions in quality and volume of advanced ENT care. Rising awareness and high private costs are driving more patients to VIMS. These include patients from Rayalaseema. He added that Satya Kumar Yadav has appreciated the services. The hospital plans to expand facilities to meet growing demand.