Zahedan University of Medical Sciences

Report from: Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, International Affairs Office
Published on: 11June 2023

Today, the use of a cochlear implant prosthesis is one of the most effective treatment methods for children and infants who suffer from severe and profound hearing loss, in which the cochlea and the auditory nerve are directly stimulated by electrical impulses and a new hearing path replaces the previous defective path.

The first cochlear implantation surgery was performed in Iran in 1992. Ever since, more than twelve thousand cochlear implant surgeries have been performed in the country. Currently, an average of 1,200 to 1,500 cochlear implantation surgeries is performed in cochlear implant centers across the country. Zahedan cochlear Implantation Center was established in February 2019 as the 13th cochlear Implantation Center in the country after going through the training process and receiving the necessary qualifications.

Zahedan Cochlear Implantation Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center is the only approved and authorized center in Sistan and Baluchistan province that can perform all diagnostic and treatment related to cochlear implant. In addition, the implant center, having the necessary facilities and expertise, provides complete services for diagnosing hearing loss, counseling, evaluation and candidacy for hearing aids or cochlear implant surgery, pre- and post-operative rehabilitation.

Dr. Alireza Maleki, the Head of Alzahra (SA) Hospital in Zahedan, stated that: “The 58^th cochlear implantation surgery for a 5-year-old child was performed in Sistan and Baluchestan province, and the child will receive free auditory and speech therapy sessions for one year at this hospital.”

After the cochlear implant surgery, the child gradually becomes familiar with sounds and learns to speak. Since 2019, when this ward was established, more than 800 deaf and hard of hearing children and adults have been screened, and more than 400 patients have been registered as candidates for receiving cochlear transplantation surgery, so far.

After various evaluations and examinations to assess the possibility of improving hearing through speech therapy and auditory training, the cases of these individuals are reviewed by the cochlear implantation committee.

Since the cost of providing this prosthesis is high, a significant portion of the cost is covered in foreign currency by the Iran’s Board of Trustees of Foreign Exchange Saving, and only a small amount is paid by the patient's family. Prostheses have also been provided for 9 other patients who will undergo surgery soon.

Children with severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss who are very young, for example, a few months to a maximum of 4 years old, adults with sever sensorineural hearing loss, individuals who do not use hearing aids, children who have participated in at least 3 months of rehabilitation classes but have not achieved satisfactory results, and individuals who have access to educational and rehabilitation programs can benefit from this opportunity.

Copyright © 2023 Zahedan University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved. Date updated: 11/06/2023
Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us on: internationaloffice@zaums.ac.ir