Chula Hospital Marks 40 Years

The Department of Otolaryngology, Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, is reaffirming its four decades of success as Thailand’s first medical institution to perform cochlear implant surgery. The department continues to advance hearing-related technologies and innovations to help people with hearing impairments regain the ability to communicate and carry out their daily lives with a better quality of life. 

The journey began in 1986, when Associate Professor Dr. Kanate Vaewvichit performed Thailand’s initial cochlear implant surgery. The first patient is now 84 years old and continues to use the device effectively for everyday communication. 

Assistant Professor Dr. Paninee Charusripan, an otolaryngology specialist, said, “Over the past 40 years, Chulalongkorn Hospital has remained committed to continuously advancing hearing treatment and technology. We have been a leader in introducing hearing-assistive devices and new innovations to Thailand for the first time, including Bonebridge, Vibrant Soundbridge, and OSIA. We have also established collaborations with various networks to strengthen medical capabilities and promote equitable access to treatment for the public.” 

In addition to advanced technological treatments, Chulalongkorn Hospital places strong emphasis on holistic care, ranging from newborn hearing screening to hearing screening for older adults to help prevent cognitive decline. A multidisciplinary team—including otolaryngologists, pediatricians, audiologists, speech therapists, and craniofacial surgeons—works together to provide comprehensive care for patients. 

Social and Charitable Initiatives 

As part of its social mission, Chulalongkorn Hospital has also continued to carry out charitable medical programs, including

• Kaew Ta Jai Project, initiated in honor of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, on the occasion of her 80th birthday. The project has provided cochlear implant surgery to 8 patients.
• 84 Phattha Project in honor of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, on the occasion of her 84th birthday. The project has provided implantable hearing devices to 7 patients. 
• Advanced Medical Services in Honor of His Majesty the King, through which 2 patients have received implantation of an Active Middle Ear Implant. 
• A project in collaboration with the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center, providing implantable hearing devices for patients born without ear canals. The program has continued to the present day and has treated 6 patients. 

The achievements of the past four decades reflect the mission of Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, to provide medical treatment and rehabilitation while improving people’s quality of life through the continuous development and creation of medical innovations in hearing care. The hospital remains committed to advancing hearing healthcare and ultimately promoting sustainable well-being for Thai society.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/422969/