A total of 1.222 children in Andalusia have improved or recovered their hearing capacity thanks to cochlear implants.This was announced by the Regional Minister of Health and Consumer Affairs, Rocío Hernández, during her speech before the Children's Committee of the Andalusian Parliament, where she emphasized the importance of this technology in the development and well-being of children with hearing loss.
Cochlear implants are electronic devices that allow direct stimulation of the central auditory circuits, facilitating sound perception for people with severe or profound hearing loss. The Minister emphasized the importance of early detection of hearing loss to ensure these implants are as effective as possible. "Especially in developing children, it is essential to act quickly to ensure adequate auditory stimulation and promote language development," she noted.
To qualify for these devices, patients undergo a thorough assessment to determine their suitability for implantation. Aspects such as the type of hearing loss (severe or profound, unilateral or bilateral), the limited or no benefit from using conventional hearing aids, audiological, psychological, and medical evaluations, as well as realistic expectations and commitment to rehabilitation of the patient and their family environment are evaluated. In children, the age at which hearing loss begins and the impact it has had on their language development are also studied.
Cochlear implants thanks to public health
“This type of interventions are carried out from a A comprehensive approach that ensures the success of the procedure and the patient's adaptation to the new hearing device"," explained Rocío Hernández. The regional minister highlighted the collaborative work of a multidisciplinary team that includes specialists in otorhinolaryngology, speech therapy, psychology, social work, genetics, pediatric neurology, radiology, preventive medicine, ophthalmology, psychiatry, and cardiology, among others.
Currently, Andalusia has Three Reference Units for cochlear implants that accumulate more than three decades of experience in this technologyThese units are located at the Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital, which serves as the reference center for patients over 14 years of age in the province of Málaga; the San Cecilio Clinical University Hospital, which covers Granada, Jaén, Almería, and Málaga; and the Virgen Macarena Hospital, which serves Seville, Cádiz, Córdoba, and Huelva.
These Reference Units have made cochlear implants an effective alternative for hundreds of Andalusian children. The electrostimulation used in this technology converts electrical impulses into sound, allowing patients to recover some or all of their hearing. Children are one of the age groups that benefit most from this type of intervention, improving not only their communication skills but also their educational and social development.
Rocío Hernández has insisted in the Andalusian Government's commitment to continue promoting this service and improving the comprehensive care offered to people with hearing lossHe also highlighted the need to continue promoting early detection of hearing loss and strengthening the role of families and the educational environment to optimize the use of cochlear implants.
Thanks to the efforts of professionals and the commitment to technological innovation in the public health system, Andalusia has positioned itself as a national benchmark in the use of cochlear implants. The success of these interventions reinforces the Andalusian Health Service's commitment to improving the quality of life of children with hearing impairments.
