Nagpur: For Sheetal Purandas Lonare, a resident of Bhandara district, life took an unexpected turn at the age of seven when a mumps infection stole her ability to hear. Despite this challenge, Sheetal’s determination and academic brilliance never faltered. She completed her education, cleared the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) examination under the disabled category, and went on to serve as a Goods and Services Tax (GST) officer. Throughout her journey, Sheetal never gave up hope that one day she might hear again. That hope finally bore fruit after thirty years, thanks to a groundbreaking cochlear implant surgery conducted at Mayo Hospital in Nagpur.
The emotional moment she heard her parents’ voices again brought tears to her eyes. Overwhelmed with joy, she folded her hands to thank the medical team led by Dr Jeevan Vedi, Head of the ENT Department at Mayo. The hospital atmosphere was filled with emotion during the life-changing event.
Born in a modest family in Bhandara, Sheetal began speaking around the age of two and developed language skills naturally before her hearing loss. After losing her hearing at seven, her family was devastated. Yet, her willpower, and her family’s support, helped her complete mainstream schooling. Her sister taught her to lip read, her mother patiently explained lessons, and her father provided continuous encouragement.
Even after joining government service, Sheetal continued to seek treatment. Upon learning about cochlear implants at Mayo Hospital, she approached Dr Vedi. After thorough evaluations, it was decided she would undergo the procedure. A ₹19 lakh Bluetooth-enabled cochlear implant was acquired — the first of its kind to be installed in a government hospital in Central India.
Cochlear Implant Surgery: Milestone for Mayo
The surgery was a historic milestone for Mayo, successfully restoring hearing after three decades. It marked a major achievement in public healthcare. Dean Dr Ravi Chavan congratulated Dr Vedi and his surgical team — Dr Ritesh Shelkar, Dr Vaibhav Chandan Khede, Dr Shelgavkar, Dr Phating, and Dr Priyal Shelkar — for their accomplishment.
So far, Mayo Hospital has performed close to 120 cochlear implant surgeries. Sheetal’s case stands out for the duration of her hearing loss and her perseverance. Her language foundation from childhood proved beneficial post-surgery, eliminating the need for re-learning speech.
Sheetal, now able to hear again, expressed that she feels empowered to serve more effectively in her official role. Her journey is one of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of public healthcare.
