Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital has launched ‘Max Suno’, a specialised cochlear implant and hearing rehabilitation programme designed to enhance early detection, precision surgery, and long-term auditory-verbal therapy for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss.
A Comprehensive, Expert-Led Initiative
As per the press release, the programme is headed by Dr Sanjiv Badhwar, Senior Director – ENT and Program Head (Cochlear Implants & ENT Robotic Surgery). His team has already completed more than 400 successful cochlear implant surgeries for patients ranging from six months to 80 years. The initiative integrates advanced diagnostics and high-precision surgical techniques. It also adds structured rehabilitation, positioning Nanavati Max as a leading centre for comprehensive hearing restoration.
Addressing Delayed Detection in Children
Dr Badhwar emphasised that hearing loss in infants and young children often goes undetected in India. By the time parents seek treatment—frequently after a severe ear infection—speech and cognitive development may already be affected. He noted that cochlear implants, now widely recognised as the global standard of care, offer children and adults a significant opportunity to hear, speak and fully participate in daily life. Through Max Suno, the hospital has developed an outcomes-driven framework that seamlessly integrates surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
A Growing Global and National Concern
According to the World Health Organisation, over 430 million people worldwide live with disabling hearing loss. This includes many children under 10. India carries a particularly heavy burden, making early access to implantable hearing solutions essential.
Transformative Patient Outcomes
Early recipients of Max Suno are already benefitting.
• Four-year-old Alok Chaudhari, diagnosed with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss after a pneumonia episode in infancy, responded to sound for the first time after his implant activation. His father described the moment as “the beginning of a new life.”
• Eight-year-old Shubham Bharadwaj from Mumbai, born with Single-Sided Deafness, struggled with sound localisation and speech in noisy environments. After implantation, he now responds consistently to sound. His mother, Kavita, expressed confidence that he can pursue mainstream education and future career goals.
Commitment to Clinical Excellence
Commenting on the launch, Dr Vivek Talaulikar, Director & Chief Operating Officer (Western Region), Max Healthcare, said that Max Suno reflects Max Healthcare’s dedication to specialised, evidence-based programmes. The initiative brings together skilled surgeons, advanced implant technology and long-term rehabilitation. It aims to make high-quality hearing restoration accessible to families across India and neighbouring countries.
Expanded ENT, Head & Neck Capabilities
Beyond cochlear implants, Nanavati Max’s ENT, Head & Neck services offer a wide range of advanced procedures. They include robotic head and neck surgery, anterior skull base surgery, sleep apnoea surgery and balloon sinuplasty. The department offers laryngology and laryngeal framework surgery, along with thyroid and salivary gland tumour management. It also performs transoral laser surgery for laryngeal cancers and provides specialised paediatric ENT care.