Dehradun: Max Super Specialty Hospital, Dehradun, has marked a significant advancement in pediatric ENT care with the successful bilateral cochlear implant surgery on an 11-month-old male infant. The advanced surgery was performed by Dr Iram Khan, Senior Consultant- ENT, highlighting the hospital’s growing expertise in advanced hearing restoration procedures.
The infant was brought to Max Hospital, Dehradun, after parents noticed a lack of response to sound and absence of speech development within the first two to three months after birth, despite normal physical growth and age-appropriate developmental milestones. Detailed clinical evaluations were undertaken under the supervision of Dr. Iram, which confirmed bilateral profound congenital sensorineural hearing loss (a severe, permanent hearing impairment present from birth, affecting both ears).
Following a multidisciplinary assessment and parental counseling, the medical team decided to proceed with bilateral cochlear implantation using an advanced implant system designed to improve hearing outcomes while preserving delicate inner ear structures. The surgery was completed, and the child is now showing encouraging early responses to sound.
Explaining the surgery in simple terms, Dr Iram Khan, Senior Consultant – ENT, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dehradun, said, “A cochlear implant works by bypassing the damaged part of the inner ear and directly stimulating the hearing nerve. In this case, we used the latest newer-generation implant that allows safer electrode placement with minimal trauma, which is especially important in very young children. Early intervention gives the child the best possible chance to develop hearing and speech.”
Dr Khan further added, “The child has begun responding to auditory stimuli, and structured auditory-verbal rehabilitation will continue for the next six to seven months. With consistent therapy and family involvement, we expect steady improvement in hearing and speech development.”
The implant used in this case Kanso®3 System, features a slim, atraumatic electrode array, which reduces surgical trauma and supports long-term auditory performance compared to conventional systems.
Dr. Iram Khan has performed 10 implant surgeries in 2025 alone, reflecting growing expertise in advanced hearting restoration procedures and early intervention for children with hearing loss at Max Hospital, Dehradun. With this achievement, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dehradun, continues to strengthen its role as a key centre for advanced ENT and hearing care in the region, offering early diagnosis, advanced surgical intervention, and long-term rehabilitation under one roof.
