Karnataka plans 200 new 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 the 'Aalisu Kanda' programme. The initiative is part of the Shravan Dosh Mukta Abhiyan and is implemented by the Health Department of Karnataka.

Surgery Plans

A total of 575 cochlear implant surgeries were performed under the programme during the financial year 2025-26. Health Minister U. T. Khader announced that the new procurement will happen in two phases. The first phase will supply 75 cochlear implants to empanelled hospitals, with surgeries expected to be completed in the next one to two months. Another 125 implants will be procured within the next three months based on beneficiary requirements and clinical needs.

Therapy And Support

The programme combines surgery with post-operative care and rehabilitation. After implantation, children undergo device activation, mapping, structured Auditory-Verbal Therapy, regular follow-up, and parental counselling to help them develop speech and language skills.

Context

Cochlear implants are electronic devices that help people with severe to profound hearing loss access sound. Early identification and timely treatment are important because severe hearing loss can affect a child's ability to develop speech and participate in education.