Karnataka plans 200 cochlear implants for children with hearing loss

Karnataka has planned 200 additional cochlear implants for children with severe to profound hearing loss in 2026-27 under ‘Aalisu Kanda’, the cochlear implant programme being implemented as part of the Shravan Dosh Mukta Abhiyan.

The programme, implemented by the Health Department of Karnataka, is aimed at helping eligible children with hearing impairment develop speech, language, and communication skills through cochlear implant surgery and post-operative rehabilitation.

A total of 575 cochlear implant surgeries were performed under the programme during the financial year 2025-26, according to details provided by the department. For the current financial year, the department has planned the procurement and distribution of 200 additional implants to ensure that eligible children can undergo surgery without delay.

Two phases of procurement

Health Minister U. T. Khader said the planned procurement will be carried out in two phases. In the first phase, 75 cochlear implants will be supplied to empanelled hospitals. Surgery for these children is expected to be completed within the next one to two months.

Speaking after inaugurating a symposium on ‘Alisu Kanda’ in Bengaluru on October 22, the Minister said the department has planned to procure another 125 implants within the next three months. These will be supplied to empanelled hospitals based on the requirements of beneficiaries and their clinical needs.

The two phases will together provide 200 additional implants during 2026-27. The planned supply is intended to maintain the availability of devices in hospitals and support timely intervention for children who meet the eligibility criteria, he said.

Early intervention crucial 

Severe to profound hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to develop speech and language, communicate with others, and participate in education. Early identification of hearing impairment, followed by timely treatment and rehabilitation, is important to improve outcomes.

Cochlear implants are electronic devices that help people with severe to profound hearing loss access sound. However, implantation is only one part of the process. Children need appropriate post-operative care and rehabilitation to learn to interpret sounds and develop communication skills.

Karnataka’s programme provides for screening of beneficiaries, audiological assessment, and verification of eligibility before surgery. After implantation, children undergo device activation and mapping, which help ensure that the device is appropriately programmed.

Rehabilitation and follow-up 

The programme includes structured Auditory-Verbal Therapy (AVT), regular follow-up, and parental counselling. These services are intended to help children develop listening, speech, and language skills, and make the best use of their implants.

Rehabilitation requires sustained support after surgery. Regular follow-up helps monitor a child’s progress and address needs arising during the process of developing communication skills. Parental counselling is also part of the programme, enabling families to support the child’s learning and rehabilitation.

The department’s approach combines surgery with post-operative therapy and follow-up rather than treating implantation as a standalone intervention, the Minister said.

Aim to improve access and inclusion

The programme aims to improve access to cochlear implantation for eligible children across Karnataka, support early speech and language development, and strengthen their ability to communicate.

It also seeks to improve children’s educational and social inclusion, including their participation in mainstream education. Timely procurement and distribution of implants to empanelled hospitals are expected to help maintain service delivery and ensure that children receive treatment according to their needs.