New Delhi, Jun 12 (PTI) A 22-year-old Delhi woman born with profound hearing loss has overcome years of communication challenges after undergoing bilateral cochlear implant surgery at a Delhi hospital, doctors said on Friday.
Tina Garg, who was an IIT Bombay student, has now secured a spot at IIM Bangalore, marking another milestone in her academic journey, following her successful surgery and auditory rehabilitation, they said.
The surgery was performed at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, and doctors here said the procedure helped Tina Garg significantly reduce her dependence on lip reading and improved her ability to communicate and engage in academic, professional and social settings.
A statement released by the hospital here said that diagnosed with hearing loss in early childhood, Tina’s family moved to Chennai to ensure she received early intervention support at a school for deaf children. There, she developed strong lip-reading skills that became central to her communication and education.
Despite the challenges posed by her condition, she remained focused on academics and secured admission to IIT Bombay for her undergraduate studies.
Doctors said that while she excelled academically, everyday communication continued to require considerable effort as she relied heavily on lip reading.
According to the statement, while researching treatment options, Tina came across Dr Sumit Mrig, director and unit head, ENT and Cochlear Implant Surgery, at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka. Following consultations, she underwent bilateral cochlear implant surgery, in which electronic devices are implanted to stimulate the auditory nerve and provide access to sound.
The procedure was followed by a structured rehabilitation programme aimed at helping her adapt to and interpret sounds more effectively.
“Profound hearing loss affects multiple dimensions of a person’s life, including communication, confidence, education and social interaction. Bilateral cochlear implantation, when combined with appropriate rehabilitation and long-term support, can significantly improve a person’s ability to engage with the world,” Dr Mrig said.
“The goal extends beyond improving hearing access; it is about enabling greater independence and quality of life,” he added.
Following six months of auditory rehabilitation, Tina gradually became less dependent on lip reading and gained greater confidence in communication and self-expression, doctors said.
She subsequently secured admission to IIM Bangalore.
Reflecting on her experience, Garg said the support of her family, teachers and healthcare professionals helped her navigate challenges at every stage of life and reinforced the importance of believing in possibilities and making courageous choices.
Doctors said the case highlights the role of timely intervention, cochlear implant technology and sustained rehabilitation support in helping people with hearing loss pursue their aspirations with greater confidence and independence. PTI SGV PRK
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