“Can a cochlear implant restore normal hearing? — for a child, an adult, or even an elderly patient?” This is the first question people ask when they walk into my consultation room. And every time, I look at them — sometimes a worried parent, sometimes an adult who feels stuck behind a wall of silence, sometimes an elderly person who has slowly withdrawn from conversations — and I say:
Yes you can hear with an implant.
If you have been searching for the best Cochlear implant in Mumbai, this guide will give you clear, honest information — from assessments to surgery, therapy, results, and long-term expectations.
Dr. Shama Kovale is one of the most respected ENT surgeons for Cochlear implant surgery in Mumbai, known for her precision, transparency, and patient-first approach. With over 23 years of experience and training from UC Davis (USA) and Hinduja Hospital, she brings world-class expertise to Mumbai’s families. She leads the first dedicated Voice & Swallowing Centre in the city and treats every patient — from infants to the elderly — with equal attention and empathy.
Her expertise covers cochlear implants, ear microsurgery, pediatric ENT, airway reconstruction, advanced voice surgery, and endoscopic ENT procedures. She is widely recognized as one of the best ENT specialists in Mumbai, especially for hearing restoration and voice care.
Hearing loss is now a major public-health issue in India — but awareness remains low.
Reported in Indian newspapers:
International data:
Families are increasingly exploring evidence-backed solutions like Cochlear Implant in Mumbai, especially when hearing aids no longer help.
Many people hear sound but cannot understand speech.
This happens when inner-ear hair cells are damaged beyond repair and hearing aids fail to help. When hearing aids stop benefiting Cochlear implants work. Cochlear implants are not a replacement for hearing aids.
Global studies:
Indian studies:
These findings reinforce why choosing the right Cochlear Implant in Mumbai with a structured rehabilitation program makes a measurable difference.
You may benefit from an implant if:
There is no upper age limit — evaluation matters more than age.
A three-year-old boy from Andheri underwent cochlear implant surgery after months of minimal response to sound.
Three weeks later, his processor was switched on.The moment his mother said his name, he turned toward her voice for the first time in his life.
That single moment restored hope to his entire family — and it marked the beginning of his speech journey.
“Our son started responding to his name within weeks. The journey with Dr. Shama Kovale was reassuring from the first visit.”
– Aditi R.
“I lived with unclear hearing for years. After the implant, conversations finally make sense again.”
– Farhan S.
“My mother is 71 and had become withdrawn. After the implant, she is active and engaged like before.”
– Nalini M.
For children:
For adults:
For seniors:
This transformation is why so many families choose experienced specialists and advanced rehabilitation centres.
Cochlear implant surgery today is a refined, modern procedure.
It typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes, and patients go home in a day or two.
Advanced imaging, electrode designs that preserve natural hearing, and facial nerve monitoring have made outcomes more predictable than ever.
Hearing restoration is a partnership between technology and therapy.
Stages of progress:
Mapping sessions fine-tune the implant, and children receive dedicated auditory-verbal therapy to build strong language pathways.
Dr. Shama Kovale is an experienced ENT specialist with expertise in cochlear implants, associated with the renowned Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai.
What sets it apart:
Advanced audiology suite.
This level of coordination ensures accuracy, continuity of care, and long-term success.
As one of the best ENT doctors in Mumbai, my goal is to provide patients with clear guidance, complete evaluation, and empathetic care throughout the entire journey.
It provides functional, meaningful hearing — the brain makes it natural over time.
Yes. It is one of the safest ENT procedures globally.
Internal implants can last decades; processors can be upgraded.
Yes, with early implantation and consistent therapy.
Recovery typically involves a few weeks for initial healing, followed by the activation of the implant after 2-4 weeks. Full rehabilitation, including speech therapy, can take several months. This information helps users understand the recovery process and set realistic expectations.
Many modern cochlear implants have Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to connect to phones and other devices for better audio quality. This FAQ helps users understand the functionality of their cochlear implant in daily life.
After the implant, users may need to adjust to wearing the device daily, follow speech therapy recommendations, and avoid exposure to very loud noises. This FAQ helps users plan for changes in daily life and responsibilities.
A cochlear implant is not simply a device.
It is the return of a child’s first words, an adult’s confidence, and a senior’s emotional connection.
If hearing aids are no longer helping, it may be time to explore the most powerful modern solution:
Cochlear Implant in Mumbai
You are not choosing surgery; you are choosing clarity, confidence, and a renewed life.
Dr. Shama S Kovale
Senior ENT Surgeon – Voice, Swallowing, Airway & Cochlear Implant Specialist
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute
Four Bungalows, Andheri West, Mumbai – 400053
Phone: +91 91528 50769
Email: drshamakovaleent@gmail.com
Website: https://voiceofent.com
Voice | Swallowing | Airway | Cochlear Implants | Endoscopic ENT Surgeries
Dr. Shama Kovale is an eminent ENT Specialist in Mumbai. She holds an MBBS, DLO, and MS in ENT from B.Y.L. Nair Hospital, Mumbai.
91528 50769
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute, Rao Saheb, Achutrao Patwardhan Marg, Four Bungalows, Andheri West, Mumbai, 400053
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