Cochlear implantation in different socioeconomic groups - bursting the myth

Cochlear implantation does wonders for children suffering from severe to profound hearing loss, especially when the child is less than 12 months of age. However, most studies indicate that detection and implantation are done well beyond that age, owing to poor socioeconomic status, parental education, and income. Taking into account The Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme in Tamil Nadu, which provides cochlear implantation free of cost, this study aims to describe ages at presentation and nutritional factors among different socioeconomic classes.

A randomized retrospective comparative study was done between two groups of children based on the socioeconomic status of the family. Group A included children with a parental income of less than Rs. 72,000 and the cost of surgery covered by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme and group B included children with a parental income of more than 72,000 and the cost of surgery covered by the family. Three parameters were considered and compared-the age at presentation to the hospital for diagnosis and management and the weight and hemoglobin. The results were computed, and statistical analysis done.

There was a negligible difference between the age at presentation between the two groups with the mean age for children belonging to group A being 2.906563 and the mean age for children belonging to group B being 3.540625. Weight among the two groups showed a significant difference with a p-value of 0.023664 at p < 0.05. The difference in hemoglobin values was found to be insignificant, with mean values being 11.0375 g/dl and 11.7375 g/dl for groups A and B respectively.

This study has concluded sufficient awareness among different strata of society, despite economical differences, over cochlear implant programs owing to government initiatives of educating people and supporting them with necessary health benefits. Tamil Nadu, as a responsible state of a developing nation, has been proactive in ensuring the accessibility and reach of the health care system in this regard.