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March 23, 2025Cochlear Implant and Hearing Impairment – Dr Akbar Abbas in Talks with Dr Ikram
Hearing impairment in children is a serious concern in Pakistan, often overlooked until it starts affecting a child’s development. Dr. Akbar Abbas, a highly respected ENT Consultant and one of the few surgeons in Pakistan specializing in Cochlear Implants, sheds light on this critical issue.
Hearing Loss in Children – A Common but Silent Problem
According to Dr. Abbas, nearly 4 out of every 1,000 children born in Pakistan suffer from some degree of deafness. One of the leading causes? First cousin marriages. These consanguineous unions, prevalent across Sindh, Punjab, and even urban centers like Karachi, significantly increase the risk of hereditary hearing loss.
Families with a history of hearing impairment often continue this pattern, unaware of its long-term genetic risks. Dr. Abbas advises parents to discourage intra-family marriages, especially if there’s a family history of hearing loss or genetic disorders.
“It’s crucial for families to understand that while cousin marriages may be culturally accepted, they come with potential medical risks,” says Dr. Abbas.
How Can Parents Detect Hearing Loss Early?
Unlike in some countries where newborn hearing screening is mandatory, in Pakistan, this is still a developing practice. However, Dr. Abbas mentions that select hospitals in Karachi and other major cities have started offering Neonatal Hearing Screenings within 24 hours of birth.
If not screened at birth, parents are usually the first to notice signs of hearing loss. Some common red flags include:
- Lack of response to loud sounds or name calling
- No reaction to clapping or noise-making objects
- Speech delays beyond two years of age
- Only lip-syncing words like “mama” or “baba” without proper auditory input
Myth Buster: Many assume that if a child can vocalize basic sounds, their hearing is fine. However, Dr. Abbas clarifies that even children with profound hearing loss may attempt to mimic basic sounds by observing lip movements.
What Causes Hearing Loss in Infants?
Apart from genetics, other potential causes include:
- Childhood infections like meningitis, measles, and mumps
- Prenatal infections such as Rubella Syndrome
- Severe untreated fevers in early childhood
However, Dr. Abbas emphasizes that genetic factors, particularly due to cousin marriages, remain the primary cause in most regions of Pakistan.
What is a Cochlear Implant?
When hearing aids fail to deliver results, especially in cases of severe or profound hearing loss, a Cochlear Implant may be the solution.
“Cochlear Implantation is a specialized procedure where a device is surgically implanted to directly stimulate the auditory nerve, enabling the child to perceive sound,” explains Dr. Abbas.
This daycare surgery allows the child to return home the same evening. Though the procedure itself is costly, it is life-changing.
Concerns Around Cochlear Implants
Many parents worry about:
- High surgical costs
- The possibility of implant damage if the child suffers a fall or head injury
- Ongoing maintenance and speech therapy requirements
Dr. Abbas assures that while the surgery requires careful follow-up, success rates are high, especially when combined with speech and behavioral therapies.
When Should Parents Act?
Dr. Abbas advises parents to seek professional evaluation if:
- A child does not respond to sound stimuli by 6 months of age
- A child is not attempting to speak by 12 months
- There’s any family history of hearing impairment or cousin marriages
Early intervention is critical. The sooner a child is diagnosed and treated, the better their chances of developing normal speech and cognitive skills.
Available Support Programs
In Pakistan, regions like Punjab offer publicly funded cochlear implant programs, easing the financial burden for families. However, other provinces are still in need of such structured initiatives.
Final Words from Dr. Abbas
“Every child deserves the ability to hear and communicate. Raising awareness about preventive measures, such as genetic counseling and early screening, can help protect future generations from avoidable hearing loss.”
