Birthday gift of hearing: 4-yr-old receives cochlear implant surgery

JAIPUR: Four-year-old Tanishka from Baran celebrated her birthday on Monday in a truly extraordinary manner at the city’s Sawai Man Singh Hospital. The little girl underwent a free cochlear implant surgery, a life-altering procedure that will enable her to hear for the first time, thanks to the MAA Yojana scheme.

The delicate surgery took place at the ENT department, where doctors noted the significance of timing: If the procedure were delayed even by a day, Tanishka would have missed out on the benefits of the govt scheme that caters to children only up to the age of four.

Dr Pawan Singhal, head of the ENT department and the surgeon who performed the operation, expressed his joy at the successful outcome. “It was a happy moment in the ENT ward as cake was cut and the family celebrated. Now, she can hear, speak and lead a better life,” Singhal said.

Following the surgery, the ward transformed into a scene of celebration. The hospital staff joined Tanishka’s family to mark the occasion with cake, candles and joyous smiles. Surrounded by her loved ones, Tanishka cut her birthday cake, embodying hope and gratitude as she took her first steps towards connecting with the world around her.

Tanishka’s uncle, Shivam Mehta, recalled the family’s journey leading to this moment. Concern arose two years earlier when Tanishka began showing signs of speech-related issues. After consultations at a private hospital in Kota, it became evident that she was suffering from hearing loss, which impeded her speech development. “We were worried about her future. With the cochlear implant, she will be able to hear and, with some speech and hearing training, develop her speaking abilities,” Shivam said.

Tanishka’s birthday, which began with uncertainty, ultimately became a beacon of hope for her and her family. The surgery has opened up a priceless opportunity for her to hear and communicate, marking April 20 not just as her birthday, but as a new beginning filled with possibilities.
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