Why Cochlear Implant Mapping Takes Time (And Why That’s a Good Thing)
We assume you’re already familiar with cochlear implantation and are considering it. This is a life-altering step, and having queries about it is just natural. A burning question that may linger in your mind is, ‘Why does cochlear implant mapping take so much time?’ Some medical facilities may prioritize speed over patient care and offer […]
Types of Eardrum Surgery Explained: When Each Procedure Is Needed
Hello, I’m Dr. Shree Rao. Throughout my clinical practice, I have encountered patients with questions and uncertainties about surgical procedures, such as types of eardrum surgery. I empathize with these concerns and believe that informed patients feel more confident and comfortable in their treatment journey. One of the most common areas of concern I encounter […]
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 […]