Daily Current Affairs : 15-September-2023
Hearing loss is a pressing concern in India, especially among children, where it ranks as one of the most common congenital anomalies. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that severe to profound hearing loss affects nearly 2-3 per 1000 live births worldwide, making it a global health challenge.
However, this issue is particularly pronounced in developing countries like India, where factors like consanguineous marriages exacerbate the problem. This essay explores the burden of hearing loss in India, the social stigma associated with it, and the promising solution offered by cochlear implants.
The Social Stigma Surrounding Hearing Loss
In contemporary Indian society, hearing loss at birth still carries a social stigma. It results in not only deafness but also speech and language deprivation, leading to significant communication challenges. This double tragedy can affect a child’s development and quality of life. Therefore, addressing hearing loss is not just a medical concern but also a social one.
The Advancements in Biomedical Engineering
Fortunately, the field of biomedical engineering has made remarkable strides in addressing hearing loss. Unlike many other disabilities, hearing loss is now considered a truly remediable handicap. The focus has shifted from attempting to mend a diseased organ to bypassing it with the help of bionic prosthetic devices like cochlear implants.
Understanding Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants (CIs) have emerged as a groundbreaking solution for individuals living with severe to profound hearing loss. These implantable devices are biocompatible, safe, and highly effective for both children and adults who do not benefit from conventional hearing aids. The way they work is quite remarkable:
- Electronic Stimulation: CIs electronically stimulate the cochlear nerve, which is responsible for hearing. This stimulation bypasses the damaged hair cells in the inner ear (cochlea).
- Integration with Nervous System: Cochlear implants represent a groundbreaking integration of an electronic device with the central nervous system, fully restoring a lost special sense organ.
- Components: CIs consist of external and internal components. They detect mechanical sound energy and convert it into electrical signals. These signals are then delivered to the cochlear nerve.
- Processing: The electrical signals are processed by an external speech processor, which then sends them via a radiofrequency interface to an array of electrodes surgically implanted within the cochlea.
Early Identification and Management
To achieve the best outcomes with cochlear implants, early identification and management of hearing loss are paramount. In Tamil Nadu, a state in India, the cochlear implant program has been notably successful. Under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme, free cochlear implants are provided to children under six years of age who are below the poverty line. This initiative has resulted in nearly 5000 successful cochlear implant surgeries, significantly improving the lives of these children.
Important Points:
- Hearing Loss in India:
- Significant issue, especially among children.
- Most common congenital anomaly.
- More pronounced in developing countries like India, due to factors like consanguineous marriages.
- Social Stigma:
- Hearing loss at birth is socially stigmatized.
- Results in deafness, speech and language deprivation, and communication challenges.
- Advancements in Biomedical Engineering:
- Hearing loss is now a truly remediable handicap.
- Focus shifted to using bionic prosthetic devices like cochlear implants.
- Cochlear Implants (CIs):
- Effective for severe to profound hearing loss in children and adults.
- Electronic stimulation of the cochlear nerve bypasses damaged hair cells.
- Integration of electronic device with the central nervous system.
- Consist of external and internal components.
- Cochlear Implant Process:
- Detection of sound energy and conversion to electrical signals.
- Delivery of signals to the cochlear nerve.
- Signal processing by an external speech processor.
- Electrodes implanted surgically in the cochlea.
- Early Identification and Management:
- Early intervention crucial for successful CI outcomes.
- Example of successful CI program in Tamil Nadu, India.
- Free cochlear implants provided for children under six years below the poverty line.
Why In News
The burden of hearing loss in India is substantial, impacting not only children but also adults across the nation. This widespread condition not only affects communication but also hinders educational and employment opportunities for those affected.
MCQs about Cochlear Implants in India
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What is the primary reason for the social stigma associated with hearing loss at birth in India?
A) Lack of awareness about hearing loss.
B) Limited access to cochlear implants.
C) Cochlear implants’ ineffectiveness.
D) Consanguineous marriages.
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Which part of the ear is bypassed by cochlear implants to restore hearing?
A) Cochlear nerve.
B) Middle ear.
C) Inner ear (cochlea).
D) External ear (pinna).
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What is the key factor for achieving successful outcomes with cochlear implants?
A) Age of the individual.
B) Access to free cochlear implants.
C) Consanguinity in the family.
D) Availability of speech therapy.
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Where has a successful cochlear implant program been implemented in India, providing free cochlear implants to eligible children?
A) New Delhi.
B) Mumbai.
C) Tamil Nadu.
D) Kolkata.
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