Cochlear implant surgery and free hearing aid technology are changing the lives of hearing-impaired children in China, allowing them to experience the sounds of the world around them. Today, on the 25th National Ear Care Day, the country celebrates the impact of these advancements on the lives of millions.
Since the implementation of the rescue rehabilitation program for impoverished hearing-impaired children in 2009, tens of thousands of children have benefitted from national preferential policies, including cochlear implant surgery, rehabilitation training, and free hearing aids. One such child is Liu Jingyuan, a 10-year-old from Changsha, who was born deaf in both ears. Thanks to cochlear implant surgery at the age of 3 and intensive rehabilitation training, Liu has learned to speak and hear the world around him.
Liu’s mother shared her joy in seeing her child achieve milestones that once seemed impossible, stating, “I hope that my children can listen and speak like other children. This has become my biggest wish in life. After implanting the cochlear implant, I was very, very happy when I started to pronounce every sound clearly.”
The story of Wu Mengfan, a Changzhou student who won the National Hearing Disabled Speech Competition, further highlights the impact of cochlear implant technology. With the support of national policies, Wu received a cochlear implant on the other side of his head, giving him greater access to the world of sound.
Deputy Director Liang Wei of the China Hearing and Speech Rehabilitation Research Center emphasized the importance of technology and institutional support in providing equal opportunities for hearing-impaired children, especially those in remote areas. Thanks to these advancements, thousands of children have received life-changing surgeries and assistance, leading to a brighter future.
As technology continues to advance, more hearing-impaired individuals are finding new opportunities to engage with the world. With 89% of hearing-impaired children now enrolled in regular schools, it is clear that cochlear implants and free hearing aids are opening doors and creating a more inclusive society for all.