Mangaluru: Yenepoya Medical College Hospital has achieved a significant milestone in advanced hearing restoration by successfully performing the first simultaneous bilateral cochlear implant surgery in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts using SmartNav intraoperative technology. The groundbreaking procedure was carried out on a three-year-old child diagnosed with bilateral congenital severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss.
This landmark achievement marks a new chapter in paediatric hearing rehabilitation in coastal Karnataka and reinforces the institution’s commitment to next-generation medical care.
A breakthrough in paediatric hearing restoration
The child had previously derived minimal benefit from conventional hearing amplification devices. After a comprehensive pre-implantation evaluation — including detailed audiological testing, radiological imaging, and speech-language assessments — the multidisciplinary team concluded that bilateral cochlear implantation would offer the best opportunity for meaningful auditory development.
A Cochlear implant is an advanced electronic medical device designed to provide a sense of sound to individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants directly stimulate the auditory nerve, enabling improved sound perception and speech development.
The simultaneous bilateral approach — implanting both ears during a single surgical session — is considered highly beneficial in young children, as it promotes early binaural auditory stimulation, enhances speech perception, and supports balanced hearing development.
SmartNav technology enhances precision
The surgery was performed under general anaesthesia using SmartNav (Smart Navigation) intraoperative technology. This advanced system enables real-time assessment of electrode placement and neural response telemetry during the procedure.
By allowing surgeons to verify accurate positioning of the implant electrodes within the cochlea, SmartNav technology significantly improves surgical precision and contributes to better long-term auditory outcomes. The use of this system reflects the hospital’s adoption of technology-driven surgical innovation.
The procedure was completed successfully in a single sitting without any intraoperative or immediate post-operative complications. The absence of complications and smooth surgical execution underscore the expertise of the team and the effectiveness of the advanced surgical protocols followed.
Multidisciplinary expertise ensures success
The surgical team was led by Dr. Sunil Narayan Dutt, Chief Cochlear Implant Surgeon and Senior Consultant. He was assisted by Dr. Sumit Kumar Gaur, Senior Consultant at Apollo Hospital, Bengaluru, and Dr. Deekshith Rajmohan, Cochlear Implant Surgeon.
Anaesthesia services were administered by Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed. Audiological and speech rehabilitation support was provided by Ms. Nimalka Sequeira, Audiologist and Speech Language Pathologist at Yenepoya Medical College Hospital.
The coordinated efforts of surgeons, anaesthetists, audiologists, and rehabilitation specialists played a crucial role in achieving a successful outcome. Such multidisciplinary collaboration is essential in paediatric cochlear implant cases, where surgical precision must be complemented by structured post-operative therapy.
Post-operative care and rehabilitation
The child is currently recovering well and will soon undergo implant activation, commonly referred to as the ‘switch-on’. Following activation, the child will participate in structured mapping sessions to optimise device programming.
An intensive Auditory Verbal Therapy (AVT) rehabilitation programme has been planned to facilitate speech and language development. Early intervention and consistent therapy are critical in enabling children with cochlear implants to develop age-appropriate communication skills.
The Department of ENT at Yenepoya houses a state-of-the-art Cochlear Implant and Auditory Verbal Therapy Centre dedicated exclusively to paediatric patients. The centre has previously conducted cochlear implant surgeries under various government-supported healthcare schemes, thereby improving accessibility to advanced hearing solutions for families across the region.
Leadership expresses pride
Chancellor Dr. Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, Pro-Chancellor Mr. Farhaad Yenepoya, Pro-Chancellor Dr. M. Vijayakumar, Vice Chancellor Dr. K. S. Gangadhara Somayaji, and Medical Superintendent Dr. Habib Rahaman expressed immense pride in the achievement.
They noted that the successful use of SmartNav-guided bilateral implantation reflects the institution’s vision of integrating advanced technology with compassionate care. The milestone not only benefits individual patients but also strengthens the region’s healthcare ecosystem.
A step forward for coastal Karnataka
The successful completion of the first simultaneous bilateral cochlear implant surgery using SmartNav technology in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts sets a new benchmark in paediatric otolaryngology services in coastal Karnataka.
By combining surgical expertise, technological innovation, and structured rehabilitation, Yenepoya Medical College Hospital has reaffirmed its role as a leading centre for specialised medical care in Mangaluru.
As healthcare continues to evolve, such advancements ensure that children with hearing impairment are given the opportunity to experience sound, speech, and social integration at the earliest possible stage — transforming lives and strengthening futures.