Free surgery open the world of sound for deaf children

China Daily

2nd August 2022

Free surgery open the world of sound for deaf children

Two years ago, Wang Muchen could not hear the loud cracks and bangs made by fireworks. Now at 3 years old, he is learning to recognize the sound of water flowing from the tap.

"When I heard from the doctor that my son was born with severe hearing loss, I was desperate and thought the world had closed a door for him," said his mother Chen Siwang.

The most ideal treatment for Wang was to undergo a surgery for a cochlear implant that converts sounds into electrical pulses that are sent to the auditory nerve. The procedure would cost about 200,000 yuan ($29,500).

"His father is the sole breadwinner of the family, with a monthly income of 3,000 yuan. We were planning to sell the house in the countryside to collect funds for the implant," she said.

"Luckily, we were recommended to apply for the free relief program for children

with disabilities in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region."

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202208/02/WS62e87ea3a310fd2b29e6facb.html