Gondekar is one of 28 families who participated in an interactive session that took place at Hotel President on Saturday. Organised by Pune Advanced Auditory Research Private Limited (PAAR), the gathering had Cochlear implantees accompanied by parents, speaking about their experiences post the implant. “The gathering is meant to act as a platform for the parents and the kids to discuss the problems faced by them and also be informed of the latest technology available,” said Dr Hemant Dabke, from PAAR.

Titled A Sound Future, the gathering saw a cultural show comprising poetry, dancing and singing by Cochlear implantees. Others talked of changes that the implant brought in their lives. “It’s the best gift that I’ve ever got. It has given me the confidence to be independent,’’said 23-year-old Shubhangi Patil, who got the implant at the age of 18, completed her electrical engineering and is working as a junior engineer in Latur.

Under the programme that began in 1998, PAAR, Pune, has implanted 30 patients with Cochlear. “The total cost for the implant, including the instrument is Rs five to nine lakh. The patients have to undergo counselling sessions, wherein an audiologist helps them adapt to sound and reciprocate,” said Dr Neelam Vaid, from PAAR, adding that they do approach trusts on the behalf of parents to assist them in getting loans.

Dr Kalyani Mandke says what is paramount is awareness. ‘‘I had little knowledge of the implant and had to seek lots of advice,” admits Rajaram Wakchaure, whose granddaughter Krishna, was the youngest in Pune to get an implant at the age of 18 months. At present PAAR is hoping to form a forum of Cochlear implantees, where they can regularly meet and organise interactive sessions.

By Vandana Kalra
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