On the morning of November 21, Tian Xu, Deputy Party Secretary and Vice President of the Corps Hospital, Director of the Otolaryngology Department, and an expert from Peking Union Medical College Hospital assisting Xinjiang, gently leaned over and spoke softly to a 14-year-old patient in bed. He was observing critical recovery indicators after her cochlear implant surgery.
This young patient’s condition held special significance for Tian Xu. She suffered from severe inner and middle ear deformities and had lived in silence since birth. Compounding the challenge, her family faced financial hardship, relying solely on her mother’s support. "Internationally, the optimal window for cochlear implantation is typically between ages 1-3, or at least before 6, when the auditory and speech centers are most adaptable, ensuring better postoperative rehabilitation," Tian Xu explained. "For years, the high cost of cochlear implants made them an insurmountable financial burden for families like hers."
A cochlear implant is a neurostimulation device that replaces damaged inner ear hair cells, converting sound signals into electrical impulses to directly stimulate the auditory nerve. While highly effective for severe hearing loss, the procedure demands exceptional precision due to the delicate nature of the electrodes.
With adjustments to national healthcare policies, the Xinjiang region became the first to include cochlear implants in local medical insurance coverage in 2024. By March 3, 2025, the National Healthcare Security Administration implemented centralized procurement results, significantly reducing prices—from an average of 200,000 yuan to around 50,000 yuan—easing the financial strain on patients.
Given the patient’s age and missed optimal treatment window, Tian Xu led a multidisciplinary team (MDT) to meticulously assess her condition and tailor a surgical plan with contingency measures. On the day of the surgery, supported by anesthesiology and operating room teams, Tian Xu’s expertise in middle ear procedures and microsurgical techniques ensured the precise placement of the implant.
"Every step must be flawless—positioning the electrode accurately while safeguarding surrounding neural tissues," Tian Xu emphasized during the operation, which concluded successfully.
During recovery, when the external speech processor activated for the first time, the young girl finally perceived sound. "This surgery may seem straightforward, but it embodies the synergy of multidisciplinary collaboration and policy support," Tian Xu remarked.
Beyond clinical duties, Tian Xu dedicates efforts to nurturing the next generation of medical professionals. "The Corps Hospital has a comprehensive talent development system, including pre-employment training and mentorship programs," he noted. "Individual capacity is limited; fostering skilled young doctors is essential." Gazing at the queue of waiting patients, Tian Xu’s resolve was clear. For him, aiding Xinjiang transcends technical exchange—it’s about sowing seeds of hope.
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