Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], June 3: Baby Lavanya, a 9-month-old from Guyana, South America, born with profound hearing loss, has successfully undergone a complex cochlear implant surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad. The procedure was made possible through the efforts of the Society to Aid the Hearing Impaired (SAHI) and the Sri Satya Sai organization. Previously declined by multiple international centers due to a rare inner ear deformity, Lavanya’s case was accepted by Apollo’s expert ENT team, who carried out the surgery on May 17. The baby is now recovering well and beginning her journey toward hearing and speech.
In a remarkable story of resilience, hope, and international collaboration, Baby Lavanya, born on August 7, 2023, in Guyana, South America, has successfully undergone a complex cochlear implant surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad. This milestone marks the beginning of her journey to hearing and speech, after being diagnosed with bilateral profound hearing loss said Mr. Tejesvi Rao, CEO, Apollo Hospitals, Telangana Region
Dr.E.C. Vinay Kumar HOD of ENT at Apollo Hospitals said that Born to parents Diveka Dhanraj and Satish Sakishnu of Indian origin, Baby Lavanya was unable to develop speech or respond to sounds due to her condition. Despite seeking help at multiple medical centers across Guyana, the country’s limited healthcare infrastructure could not support the specialized surgery required. Further complications arose when radiological scans revealed cochlear hypoplasia and an anomalous cochlea on the left side, causing multiple international centers to decline performing the operation.
Dr. K. Rambabu, Sr.Consultant ENT Surgeon Apollo Hospitals said the family explored options in neighboring Brazil, Venezuela, the United States, and Canada, but financial constraints made treatment in these countries unattainable. Appeals to charitable organizations in North America were unsuccessful, leaving the family desperate for a solution.
Their search for hope led them to the Sri Satya Sai organization in Guyana, which connected them to Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, and the Society to Aid the Hearing Impaired (SAHI) in India. Recognizing the complexity and urgency of the case, Apollo Hospitals took on the challenge through SAHI’s Hearing Impaired Girl Child Project.
The surgery was carried out successfully on May 17, 2025, by Apollo Hospitals’ distinguished ENT and cochlear implant team, led by Dr. E.C. Vinaya Kumar, Dr. K. Rambabu, and Dr. Jaswinder Singh Saluja, and supported by implantation audiologist Dr. I. Srikanth. With over 30 years of experience and more than 2,700 cochlear implant procedures, the team navigated the intricacies of Lavanya’s condition with expertise and compassion.
“We are delighted with Lavanya’s progress following her surgery,” said Dr. Vinaya Kumar. “Every child deserves the chance to hear and speak, and it’s our privilege to contribute to her journey.”
Baby Lavanya is now in recovery and demonstrating positive postoperative development. Her family, along with the entire care team, remains hopeful and excited to witness her take her first steps into the world of sound.
About Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad stands as a beacon of hope and healing. For over 36 years, it has consistently led advancements in medical innovation, clinical excellence, and technology-driven care. Apollo Hospitals are regularly ranked among the top institutions in India, known for their excellence across specialties including cardiology, oncology, neurology, orthopaedics and robotic surgery.
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Divya Agarwal
