Thirteen children at Erebuni Medical Center gained the ability to hear today after undergoing cochlear implant surgeries. A month ago, these children received their implants from Akira Ishiyama, a professor at UCLA University Clinic in California, who is originally from Japan.
The implants were surgically placed in the inner ear, and today the external devices were connected in a ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Armen Gasparyan, the Deputy Minister of Health of Armenia; Aoki Yutakan, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Armenia; and Zaruhi Batoyan, a member of the Armenian National Assembly.
Thanks to this significant initiative at Erebuni Medical Center, a total of 255 children can now hear. The cochlear implantation program specifically targets children diagnosed with fourth-degree hearing loss. Launched in 2004 through the collaborative efforts of Professor Harutyun Kushkyan, head of Erebuni Medical Center; Salbi Agarakyan, head of the Armenian International Medical Foundation; and Professor Akira Ishiyama, the program has made a profound impact on many lives.
During the surgeries, implants are placed in the inner ear to facilitate the perception of sound waves. However, the roles of audiologists and pediatricians both before and after the surgery are equally crucial for the success of the program.
This charitable initiative continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of Salbi Agarakyan, the support of the Armenian government and Ministry of Health, and the leadership of Harutyun Kushkyan at Erebuni Medical Center.
