Chennai, 3 March 2026: Apollo Children’s Hospitals, Chennai has successfully performed Tamil Nadu’s First Cochlear™️ Nucleus®️ Nexa™️ implant surgery, marking a significant milestone (on World Hearing Day 3 March) in advanced hearing healthcare in the state. The landmark procedure was led by Dr. Venkatakarthikeyan.C, positioning the hospital among the early centres in India to introduce this next-generation cochlear implant technology.

The recipient of this pioneering surgery is a nine-year-old girl child from Bangladesh who travelled to Chennai specifically for the procedure, underscoring the hospital’s growing reputation in paediatric hearing care. The child was suffering from severe to profound hearing loss in both ears with impairment of speech and language since birth.

The child will begin the next phase of treatment in the coming weeks, when the external sound processor will be activated and programmed to optimise hearing outcomes. The child is recovering well and remains under close clinical monitoring as part of the post-operative care protocol.

The Cochlear Nucleus Nexa, the world’s first smart cochlear implant system powered by the NEXOS™️ chipset, is designed to support firmware upgrades, allowing patients to benefit from future software advancements without the need for additional surgery. It also features advanced signal processing and stimulation technologies that enhance sound clarity, particularly in complex listening environments such as classrooms and group settings, thereby supporting improved speech perception and communication outcomes.

Speaking on the milestone, Dr. Venkatakarthikeyan.C, Senior Consultant, ENT, Head Neck- Robotic Surgeon, Apollo Childrens Hospitals, Chennai, said, “For children, consistent access to sound through this smart, future-ready technology can significantly enhance speech and language development, improve academic performance, strengthen social interaction, and support the development of the brain’s auditory pathways. We focus on combining cutting-edge medical innovation with comprehensive post-operative care and structured rehabilitation to ensure the best possible long-term outcomes for young patients.”

Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, Chief Executive Officer-Chennai Region, Apollo Hospitals, added, “This successful surgery marks not only a technological milestone but also reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class, advanced hearing solutions. We remain focused on expanding access to cutting-edge care for children across India and neighbouring countries. At Apollo Hospitals, we continue to strengthen our clinical capabilities, invest in next-generation technologies, and build multidisciplinary expertise to deliver comprehensive, child-centric care.”

This achievement levels up a new era in cochlear implant technology in Tamil Nadu, bringing renewed hope and improved quality of life to children with hearing loss across the region and beyond.