Back to the world of sounds

SUDHA MAHALINGAM

SATISH GUJRAL, the artist-brother of former Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral, had the cochlear device implanted at International Cochlear Implants (ICI), Sydney, in July this year. He is now undergoing audio therapy. He told Frontline that the entire package, including the travel to Sydney and the stay there for eight weeks, cost him around Rs.21 lakhs.

M. LAKSHMANAN

Gujral, now 71, lost his sense of hearing 62 years ago, but kept his speech faculty intact through constant practice and lip-reading. He said that the implant had revived the world of sounds for him. Even so, he continues to depend on his wife who acts as an interpreter and whose lips he reads to comprehend questions addressed to him.

His audiologist, William Waytowych, explained that it would be a while before Gujral learns to decipher sounds and language without the help of an interpreter. Waytowych said that lip-reading could not be completely eliminated; it had to be used in conjunction with the device.

Gujral, who is all praise for the prompt service and back-up therapy provided by ICI, said that there was scope for cost reduction.

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