In just a few minutes, 8-month-old Aram will enter the operating room. Earlier, his sister underwent the same procedure. Both siblings share the same challenge—hearing loss.
Speaking with their father is Salbi Agarakyan, a well-known philanthropist in Armenia. Thanks to his support, hundreds of children have received life-changing surgeries at Erebuni Medical Center, allowing them to hear the sounds of the world for the first time.
At Erebuni’s ENT Department, nine more children have recently undergone cochlear implantation—a groundbreaking procedure that provides a solution for those with severe hearing impairments.
Armenia’s national screening program plays a crucial role in detecting hearing loss at an early age, which is essential since the success of cochlear implantation largely depends on when the surgery is performed. The earlier it takes place, the better a child’s speech development will be.
In the months leading up to surgery, specialists assess whether hearing aids provide any benefit. If not, the operation is performed before the child’s first birthday—offering a vital chance to those born with profound hearing loss.
Erebuni Medical Center uses world-class cochlear implants, ensuring the best possible outcomes. The process is intricate: the implant must transmit electrical impulses over a precise, short distance to effectively stimulate the auditory nerve.
A key milestone for Erebuni’s medical team is achieving full independence in performing these procedures. The center is committed to training specialists so that cochlear implantation can be carried out locally, without the need for foreign experts.
With another successful surgery completed, a new journey begins. In just a month, during the implant activation, the child will hear their name for the first time. The moment is often marked by tears—not of pain, but of profound emotion. Hearing the world for the first time is the start of a new life, opening the door to speech, communication, and full integration into the world around them.
