Govt-run VIMS emerges as hub for cochlear implants

Visakhapatnam: The state-run Visakha Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS) has emerged as a key centre for cochlear implant surgeries for children with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who gain little benefit from hearing aids. In the first three months of this year alone, the hospital performed four bilateral and three unilateral cochlear implant surgeries. While private hospitals charge around ₹15–20 lakh for a bilateral implant, VIMS offers the procedure free of cost under government schemes such as Dr NTR Vaidya Seva.Over the years, the hospital has carried out nearly 30 such surgeries, enabling its surgeons to gain the expertise required to perform the procedures independently. Patients now arrive not only from north coastal Andhra Pradesh but also from distant districts.VIMS director Dr K Rambabu said that although the surgeries began in 2018, they have grown significantly in the last four years. "In just three months this year, around 3,000 patients used ENT outpatient services, while 130 were admitted for inpatient treatment. VIMS was the first hospital in Andhra Pradesh to perform bilateral cochlear implant surgeries," he noted.Post-surgery, children undergo therapy and rehabilitation to learn how to hear and speak. This includes auditory-verbal therapy, speech training, and listening exercises, with strong support from parents and schools to help children develop language, communication, and social skills.Beyond cochlear implants, VIMS performs a wide range of ENT procedures, including treatment of tonsils and adenoids, correction of deviated nasal septum, middle ear repair, eardrum reconstruction, sinusitis treatment, voice therapy, airway repair, and removal of extra bone behind the ear."Despite being a govt hospital, VIMS is matching corporate hospitals in the quality and number of advanced ENT procedures. Patient numbers are steadily increasing, with people from regions like Rayalaseema also seeking treatment here. With rising trust in its services and the high costs in private hospitals, more patients are choosing VIMS. State health minister Satya Kumar Yadav has appreciated the hospital's ENT services. As demand grows, we plan to add more services in the future," Dr Rambabu added.