A day-long “Cochlear Implant Surgery Training Program” was held at the Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) today. Photo: BMU

DHAKA, April 20, 2025 (BSS) – Around 1,000 individuals who received cochlear implants at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) can now hear and speak, empowering them to lead independent lives and actively contribute to society rather than being dependent on it.

A day-long “Cochlear Implant Surgery Training Program” held at the university today revealed this, mentioning that individuals with hearing impairments are often unable to speak because they cannot hear.

BMU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Md Shahinul Alam inaugurated the 11th edition of the training at the Multipurpose Hall of the university, said a press release.

Around 100 doctors, including students studying in higher courses in ENT and doctors interested in otology, participated in the workshop, while teachers, doctors, residents, audiologists, and speech therapists of the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of BMU were present at the inaugural ceremony.

Cochlear implants are an expensive medical procedure. With the support of the Ministry of Social Welfare, cochlear implant medical services are being provided at BMU free of charge or at a nominal cost.

Of the nearly 1,000 completely hearing impaired people who have been implanted with cochlear implants at BMU, only 41 have had their cochlear implants done at their own cost. All others have had their cochlear implants done at the initiative of BMU at a nominal cost.

Speaking on the occasion, Shahinul Alam emphasized on research and detailed review, especially on post-cochlear implant treatment, rehabilitation, outcome or final results of the treatment.

Expressing his wishes for the success of the cochlear implant program, the BMU Vice-Chancellor stated cochlear implants are enabling many hearing-impaired children to join the mainstream of society, which is an important and commendable achievement.

With Professor Dr AHM Zahirul Haque Sacchu, Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery and Director of the Cochlear Implant Program in the chair, it was addressed among others by former Chairman of the department Professor Dr Md Azharul Islam, Professor Dr Md Delwar Hossain, Associate Professor Dr Kanu Lal Saha, Associate Professor Dr Md. Harun Or Rashid Talukder.

Highlighting various aspects of cochlear implant treatment, the speakers urged BMU administration to appoint support staff.