AP strengthens hearing care services in Government Hospitals

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Taking active steps towards improving healthcare accessibility for people with hearing impairments, the Andhra Pradesh government is equipping district and area hospitals with advanced audiology diagnostic equipment. The initiative, undertaken under the direction of Health Minister Y. Satya Kumar Yadav, aims to provide high-quality, affordable hearing care closer to patients’ homes.

 According to officials from the Directorate of Secondary Health, hospitals are being equipped with three key diagnostic tools, BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry), Impedance Audiometry, and Pure Tone Audiometry, considered essential for accurate assessment of hearing disorders. In addition, soundproof rooms are being established to ensure precise testing conditions.

Previously, many government hospitals lacked a full set of these equipment, forcing patients to travel to teaching or private hospitals for advanced diagnosis. Addressing this gap, the government has launched a Rs 20-crore initiative to systematically install the equipment across selected healthcare facilities based on local demand. Officials informed the Minister that nearly 80% of the work has been completed, with the remaining installations expected within a month.

For the first time, eight area hospitals, including Tenali, Narsipatnam, Palakonda, Done, Kandukur, Kavali, Cheepurupalli, and Narsapuram, are being equipped with all three diagnostic systems. Additionally, five district hospitals and 34 area hospitals are receiving at least two types of equipment, significantly expanding diagnostic capacity across the State.

Separate installations of Impedance Audiometry devices have been completed in six district hospitals, while several other hospitals are also being equipped. Meanwhile, soundproof testing rooms are being set up in ten hospitals to enhance diagnostic accuracy.

Medical experts highlight that BERA tests help detect hearing loss even in newborns and identify internal ear abnormalities. Pure Tone Audiometry assesses nerve-related hearing issues and infections, while Impedance Audiometry evaluates middle ear function, pressure, and fluid conditions.

The initiative will also strengthen disability certification processes under SADAREM, enabling precise identification of hearing impairment levels. With this upgrade, the government aims to ensure early diagnosis, timely treatment, and improved quality of life for thousands of patients across Andhra Pradesh.