Hyderabad: Around 430 million people globally nearly 6% of the population experience hearing loss, a figure projected to reach 700 million by 2050, according to the World Health Organization.

Congenital hearing loss, present from birth, affects speech and language development. Early detection and intervention are vital. Among every 1,000 newborns, 3–4 face severe hearing loss, and 6–7 have mild to moderate impairment. For those with over 90% hearing loss, cochlear implants offer the most effective solution, enabling profound hearing-impaired individuals to perceive sound.

In India, over 100,000 children are born annually with severe hearing loss, yet only about 5% receive cochlear implants due to limited awareness and financial challenges. KIMS Hospitals, under the guidance of CMD Dr. B. Bhaskar Rao, provides cochlear implant services through government and private healthcare programs, helping many children regain hearing and develop normal speech.