Researchers at the DRDO labs-Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), Anurag, Research Center Imarat (RCI) and Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) and Andhra University have developed the world's cheapest cochlear implants. Reportedly, an application seeking permission for clinical trials has been filed with the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on behalf of the Society for Biomedical Technology (SBMT).

One million people in the country suffered from profound hearing loss, while every year 10,000 infants are born with the same problem. The device would cost around Rs 1-1.5 lakhs.

Researchers will conduct multi-centric clinical trials across the country for about six months to one year after receiving the nod from DCGI.

After the successful completion of clinical trials, the technology would be transferred to an Indore-based company for serial production. It is expected to be ready for commercial production in a year.