Special centre for AVT launched at Stanley Hospital

The new centre will be the post-operative training centre to ensure successful cochlear implant. “Training will be given with the help of advanced software which will programme the cochlear implant device and monitor the improvement using internationally approved scoring systems,” said Dr M Gowrishankar, head of ENT department at Stanley Medical College.

Auditory-Verbal Therapy helps a child to use the hearing aid or a cochlear implant to understand speech and learn how to talk. As part of the therapy, the child will also be taught how to develop self-monitoring skills so that the child can develop hearing as an active sense and can communicate easily.

The outcome of the surgery depends on the AVT too, as the training helps in rehabilitation of the patients. AVT is different than regular speech therapy and trained staff members to map the machines during the therapy.

The centre will function on all working days of the week during outpatients’ service hours, added Dr Gowrishankar. The new centre was inaugurated by cochlear implant specialist Dr Mohan Kameshwaran, director of Madras ENT Research Foundation.

ENT specialists have been undertaking cochlear implants for children under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme offering funds up to Rs 25 lakhs. The facility was started at the ENT department a year ago. People with hearing disability undergo hearing screening and are treated medically or surgically at the hospital.