Health news: Rajasthan marked a significant milestone in terms of public healthcare on Sunday, as the doctors at the Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS) implanted the state’s first Artificial Intelligence-powered Cochlear Implant in a three-year-old girl. Notably, the procedure is the first of its kind in the state, where advanced hearing technology has been utilised at a government hospital. 

Surgery lasted for 3 hours

The surgery lasted for nearly three hours, and was conducted by specialists from the hospital’s Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) department. The doctors who performed the surgery said that the child is currently stable, and is expected to begin hearing and speaking within three weeks, raising hopes for her communication and development. 

Child had been suffering from congenital hearing impairment

Senior ENT Professor at the hospital, Dr Mohnish Grover said that the kid had been suffering from congenital hearing impairment, which affected her ability to develop normal speech and hearing. Initially she could sense certain sounds, but her hearing deteriorated when she turned two. Eventually, she stopped hearing altogether, as per the doctor.

Dr Grover elaborated on the AI-enabled implant features, saying that a high-speed sound-processing chip is designed to enhance sound clarity. The internal implant is surgically placed inside the ear, and can function for up to 30 years, while the battery in the external sound processor can last for around three years. 

The system also features smart nerve technology, paving the way for surgeons to determine the most accurate placement during the procedure. 

Other salient features of the implant

Continuing his statements, Dr Grover said that the implant is equipped with an internal memory system, which stores the patient’s mapping and hearing data. Doctors can update the device periodically, similar to software updates on a cell phone, ensuring that it can offer better long-term hearing performance. According to experts, such innovations could improve outcomes for hearing loss-stricken children. 

Advanced healthcare in Rajasthan gets a boost

Commissioner of Rajasthan’s Medical Education Department, Naresh Kumar Goyal, termed the procedure as a major step forward for public healthcare. He added that the achievement reflects the state government’s commitment to equipping government hospitals with advanced medical technologies, enabling the patients to access modern treatment facilities within Rajasthan itself.