Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu hold the dubious distinction of having the highest incidence rate for profound deafness. As against the global incidence rate of 1-2 for every 1,000 population and national average of 2-3 for every 1,000 in India, these two States register an incidence rate of six.

Consanguine marriages are the reason for this huge problem, Mohan Kameswaran, President of Asia-Pacific Symposium on Cochlear Implants and Related Sciences (APSCI), has said.

“Unlike in other deformities, the impairment in the ear does not elicit any sympathy from the public. But if you make one-time investment in buying the implant or the hearing aid, it will help them through their life,” he said.

He termed the deformity a silent handicap.

Mohan Kameswaran was here in connection with the four-day international conference on cochlear science. The conference discusses latest advances in cochlear sciences and related issues.

The best way to assist with the people with hearing problems was to provide them with an insurance protection. “The Governments should provide them the cover. The Andhra Pradesh Government made a good beginning by including cochlear implantation in the Arogyasri (the universal insurance scheme). Tamil Nadu offers a cover of Rs 7.5 lakhs. Kerala too is following the suit,” he said.

Mohan said there was no dearth of specialists that can take up interventions. “The problem is quite huge. There are an estimated 30 lakh children who require some intervention. But we are able to do only in hundreds or thousands. “About 3,000 children are born with profound deafness in Andhra Pradesh alone. Tamil Nadu adds 2,500 children annually,” he said.

kurmanath.kanchi@thehindu.co.in

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