A 22-year-old woman from Delhi, born with bilateral profound hearing loss, has regained access to sound and significantly reduced her dependence on lip reading following a successful bilateral cochlear implant surgery at a private hospital in the national capital.
Tina Garg had been living with severe hearing impairment since early childhood. After being diagnosed with profound hearing loss, her family moved to Chennai to ensure she received specialised support and early intervention at a school for children with hearing disabilities.
Over the years, Tina developed strong lip-reading skills, which became central to her communication and academic progress. Despite the challenges posed by her condition, she remained determined and excelled in her studies, eventually securing admission to the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Bombay for her undergraduate education.
However, everyday interactions continued to require intense concentration, as she relied heavily on lip reading to communicate in academic and social settings.
While exploring treatment options, Tina learned about the work of Dr. Sumit Mrig, Director and Unit Head of ENT and Cochlear Implant Surgery at a private hospital in Delhi. Following a consultation, she opted for bilateral cochlear implant surgery, a procedure that uses electronic devices to stimulate the auditory nerve and provide the sensation of sound.
The surgery was successfully performed and was followed by a structured six-month auditory rehabilitation programme designed to help her recognise and interpret sounds.
According to Dr. Mrig, profound hearing loss can affect communication, education, confidence and social participation. He noted that bilateral cochlear implantation, combined with rehabilitation and long-term support, can significantly improve an individual’s ability to interact with the world and lead a more independent life.
Following rehabilitation, Tina experienced a marked improvement in communication and daily functioning. With reduced dependence on lip reading, she gained greater confidence in academic, professional and social environments.
Her achievements continued beyond her medical recovery, as she subsequently secured admission to Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, one of India’s leading management institutions.
Reflecting on her journey, Tina credited the support of her family, teachers and healthcare professionals for helping her overcome challenges at every stage of life. She described her experience as a testament to the power of perseverance, support systems and informed decision-making.
-ANI
