LOSS of hearing can now be completely overcome with the aid of a new implant developed at the Kasturba Hospital in Manipal, Karnataka. Unlike the bearing aids, the implant converts the codes received as electric signals, which are then sent to the electrodes to stimulate the hearing nerve fibres. The codes that the speech processor receives are recognised by the brain as sounds.

The implant costs Rs 400,000. It will be inserted in the mastoid bone behind the human ear by surgical procedures. It is attached to the speech processor with a magnetic transmitter.