Command Hospital Pune Conducts Groundbreaking Piezoelectric Bone Conduction Hearing Implants

Pune: The Department of Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) at Command Hospital (Southern Command) in Pune has achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting two piezoelectric Bone Conduction Hearing Implants (BCI). The procedures were performed on a 7-year-old male child suffering from congenital external and middle ear anomalies with severe hearing loss, and one adult with Single Sided Deafness (SSD).

This achievement marks a historic moment as Command Hospital (Southern Command) becomes the first government hospital in the country to procure and conduct successful piezoelectric bone conduction hearing implants.

The ENT department of Command Hospital (Southern Command) is recognized as a designated Neurotology center of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS). Over the years, the department has been at the forefront of providing implantable hearing solutions to its clientele. The piezoelectric bone conduction hearing implant system is an innovative medical electronic device designed for hearing-impaired patients, including those with conductive loss, mixed hearing loss, and single-sided deafness.

The cost of such equipment has often posed a barrier to accessibility, limiting its outreach. However, recognizing the pressing need to address hearing disabilities, particularly in patients who are not candidates for cochlear implantation or do not benefit from hearing aids or middle ear surgery, the Armed Forces Medical Services has prioritized providing innovative solutions.

Lt Col (Dr) Rahul Kurkure, Neurotologist and Implant Surgeon, performed the successful implants under the guidance of Col (Dr) Nitu Singh, Senior Advisor & HoD (ENT).