MERF
has one of the most advanced cochlear implant
clinics in the country dedicated to children
and adults who are hearing challenged.
MERF has Electrically Evoked Auditory
Brainstem Response (EABR) and Promontory
stimulator which is a sophisticated
equipment for pre implant assessment of
auditory nerve function. Computer software
for post implant mapping for all the latest
Nucleus cochlear implants is also available.
MERF is the first center to introduce the
latest Nucleus Contour
and Freedom implants in
this part of the world. It is equipped for
performing Neural Response Telemetry
(NRT), a software which confirms
the correct placement of electrodes immediately
after the surgery.
Our
track record
Over 200 implants have been performed in
MERF making it one of the largest clinics
in South Asia.
What
is a Cochlear Implant?
A cochlear implant (Bionic Ear) is an artificial
hearing device, designed to produce useful
hearing sensations by electrically stimulating
nerves inside the inner ear. The Bionic
Ear was pioneered in 1978 by Professor Graeme
Clark and his team. The present day multi-channel
cochlear implants consist of 2 main components:
1) the cochlear implant package and electrode
array (or receiver-stimulator) and 2) the
speech processor and headset.
Who needs a cochlear Implant?
All profoundly deaf children and adults
who do not benefit from a hearing aid will
benefit from a cochlear implant. Patients
with congenital hearing loss benefit when
they are implanted at an early age. The
ideal age for implantation is below the
age of three, although children below 10
years of age can benefit from an implant.
In progressive hearing loss, even older
children will benefit from an implant.
Key aspects of Cochlear Implantation in
MERF
There is an intensive pre-implantation work-up
which includes assessment of syndromic deafness,
evaluation of cochlear and retrocochlear
function, suitability of the candidate for
implantation, counseling and patient to
patient interaction. Potential implantees
are encouraged to meet with past recipients
to share their experience and benefits.
Habilitation
MERF has a well-equipped Auditory Verbal
Habilitation unit which is the hallmark
of the Cochlear Implant program.
How do you approach us?
Mr. Chandan Saha & Mr. Ranjith, are
the Clinical Coordinators of the Cochlear
Implant program at Madras ENT Research Foundation.
They can be reached at MERF every day between
5 PM - 8 PM (044 24311411 / 12/ 13 ) or
at MERF-ISH (044 24981997, 24981973 / 76
)between 10 AM – 3 PM. You may also
contact any of the Doctors at MERF round
the clock for further information.
For more information Please
Contact Us
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