The “Silent” Epidemic: Why Your Newborn’s Hearing Can’t Wait
When a child is born, we celebrate their first cry, their first smile, and their first steps. But there is a vital milestone that often goes unnoticed because it is silent: their ability to hear. Hearing is the primary gateway to communication, emotional bonding, and cognitive growth. Congenital hearing loss—hearing impairment present at birth—is what […]
Beyond Hearing Aids: The Miracle of Cochlear Implants
Why Cochlear Implants? When hearing aids are no longer enough, many patients feel they have reached a dead end. They often describe a world of “muffled” sounds—where they can hear noise, but cannot distinguish words like “cat” from “bat.” This creates a “cocktail party effect” where background noise makes conversation impossible, leading to profound social […]
“Running Ears” and the Danger of Ignoring Infection
What is CSOM (Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media)? In my years as an ear surgeon, I have encountered countless patients who believe a “running ear” is simply a part of life. In India, CSOM (Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media)—the medical term for long-term ear discharge—is often brushed off as a minor inconvenience that comes and goes with […]
Reconnecting with the World: Hearing Loss in Our Seniors
As we age, our bodies undergo many natural changes, and just as we might require reading glasses to see clearly, many of us develop Presbycusis—age-related hearing loss. This is not a sudden silence but a gradual fading of the world. Because it occurs so slowly over several years, many seniors don’t realize their hearing is […]
What to Expect Before, During, and After a Cochlear Implant: A Patient’s Journey
What you need to know before the journey begins Hello, I’m Dr. Shree Rao. If you’re reading this, you may be exploring whether a cochlear implant could help you or a loved one. It’s a big decision – and I believe that knowing exactly what to expect before, during, and after the procedure can help […]
From Ear Infection to Restoration: How Ear Surgeries (Tympanoplasty, Ossicular Repair) Can Bring Back Hearing
When an ear infection becomes more than “just an earache” Hello, I’m Dr. Shree Rao. Over the years I have met many patients who assumed repeated ear infections or a “hole in the eardrum” were minor and would heal by themselves – only to later struggle with persistent hearing loss, discharge, or repeated infections. Chronic […]
When Hearing Aids Are Not Enough: Understanding Cochlear Implant Surgery and Who Should Consider It
Why I sometimes recommend cochlear implants Hello, I’m Dr Shree Rao. As an ear specialist I meet people of all ages – from children born with hearing loss to adults whose hearing gradually declines over time. For many, well-fitted hearing aids are enough. But there are cases where hearing aids fail to restore clarity or […]
How the OAE test and BERA test Help Detect Hearing Loss Early – What You Should Know
Why I believe early hearing screening is so important Hello, I’m Dr. Shree Rao. Over the years I’ve seen many patients – newborns, children and adults – who come in only after hearing loss has already significantly affected speech, development or quality of life. Early detection makes a world of difference. That’s why I often […]
Beyond the Surgeon: Why Your Cochlear Implant ‘Team’ is Your Most Important Choice
When families begin their cochlear implant journey, the natural focus often centers on finding the best cochlear implant surgeon. While surgical expertise is undeniably crucial, the reality is that your surgeon’s role, though vital, represents just the beginning of a much longer journey. The true measure of cochlear implant success lies not in a single […]
5 Critical Questions to Ask Before Choosing Your Cochlear Implant Surgeon
Choosing the right cochlear implant surgeon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your or your child’s hearing journey. With the life-changing potential of cochlear implants, it’s crucial to ensure you’re placing your trust in the most qualified hands. Here are five critical questions that will help you make an informed decision […]