After three months, if the result still shows a ‘refer,’ a BERA test should be conducted to confirm hearing impairment, and cochlear implantation can restore hearing for such children.
Kochi: Experts at the 2025 AOICON (Association of Otolaryngologists of India) National Conference have stressed the importance of mandatory hearing tests for all newborns before discharge from the hospital. Newborn hearing loss detection methods are now available, and early testing is crucial. The OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions) test is used for this purpose. The results could show either a “pass,” indicating normal hearing ability, or a “refer,” which does not necessarily mean hearing loss, as the nerves in some children might take time to develop. If the “refer” result persists after three months, a BERA test should be conducted to confirm hearing impairment, and cochlear implantation can help restore hearing.
For economically disadvantaged individuals, the state government’s “Shruti Tarangam” initiative provides support for surgery. However, senior citizens often face financial challenges in funding such surgeries, as insurance coverage for congenital disorders is usually unavailable. Experts have called for free surgeries for senior citizens to address hearing loss.
Dr. Aryashree presenting her paper at AOICON 2025, where she was awarded the R.A.S. Cooper Research Award by the Association of Otolaryngologists of India (AOI).
In some cases, brainstem tumors could affect the auditory nerves, making cochlear implants ineffective. For these patients, auditory brainstem implantation (ABI) can restore hearing, though it is currently only available in a few places in India and is expensive. The conference called for steps to make this treatment more accessible to the general public.
Dr. Ravi Ramalingam (Chennai), Dr. Meghnath (Hyderabad), Dr. Brajendra Basar (Indore), and Dr. Pawan Singhal, Dr. Hetal Patel spoke on various topics during the first day. Dr. Aryashree from Kerala was honored with the R.A.S. Cooper Research Award, and Dr. Aishwarya received the Gnananathan Govind Swami Research Award. Competitions like the PG Paper Award, Senior Consultant Award, and Junior Consultant Award are also underway, and winners will be announced at the closing ceremony on January 12.
