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Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital in Abu Dhabi offers advanced solutions for children and adults with severe hearing loss
15 August 2024
| Last updated on 19 August 2024
At Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital in Abu Dhabi, their comprehensive cochlear implant programme is designed to provide patients with severe hearing loss a new lease on life.
What are Cochlear Implants?
Cochlear implants are one of the most effective treatments in Abu Dhabi and the UAE for patients who do not benefit sufficiently from traditional hearing aids.
These implants offer a new way of experiencing sound by bypassing damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulating the auditory nerve.
Cochlear implant services are available in Abu Dhabi at Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital. In this guide, we break down how do cochlear implants work, what to expect from the procedure, post-operation care and follow-up, and how to book your appointment.
Eligibility for cochlear implant
The journey to improved hearing with a cochlear implant begins with a comprehensive pre-operative assessment.
Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital caters to both adult and paediatric cases, ensuring that each candidate receives personalised and thorough evaluations.
Adult Cases
For adults, the assessment involves a detailed medical and audiological evaluation to determine the degree of hearing loss and the potential benefit from a cochlear implant. This includes:
- Audiological tests to measure hearing acuity and speech recognition.
- Imaging studies, such as MRI and CT scans, to assess the inner ear's anatomy.
- A thorough review of the patient's medical history and overall health.
- Psychological evaluation to ensure the candidate is mentally prepared for the implant and the rehabilitation process.
Paediatric Cases
For children, early intervention is crucial for optimal speech and language development. Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital's paediatric assessment includes:
- Audiological tests tailored for children to evaluate hearing levels.
- Detailed imaging studies to examine the inner ear structure.
- Assessment of speech and language development.
- Discussions with parents to understand the child’s communication needs and expectations from the implant.
Cochlear implant surgery in Abu Dhabi
Mediclinic in Abu Dhabi performs cochlear implant surgeries in collaboration with renowned consultants and well-respected otolaryngologists from Saudi Arabia, including Dr. Abdulrahman Hagr and Dr. Farid Alzhrani - so rest assured you're in expert hands.
The surgical procedure involves...
Insertion of Internal Parts:
The surgical team implants the internal components, which include a transmitter and electrodes, into the cochlea. These electrodes will later transmit sound signals directly to the auditory nerve.
Testing and Activation:
After the insertion, Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital's audiology medical doctor tests the response of the cochlear and auditory nerves to ensure proper placement and functionality of the electrodes.
Activation of External Parts:
On the same day of the surgery, or the day after at the latest, the external parts of the implant, including the speech processor, are activated and tested.
How do cochlear implants work?
Cochlear implants transform the way individuals perceive sound. Here's a step-by-step overview of the process:
- Speech Processor: The speech processor captures sounds from the environment, converting them into digital signals.
- Transmitter: These signals are sent to the transmitter, which is placed just under the skin.
- Electrodes: The transmitter sends the signals to the electrodes implanted in the cochlea.
- Auditory Nerve: The electrodes stimulate the auditory nerve, bypassing the damaged hair cells in the cochlea.
- Brain: The auditory nerve then sends these signals to the brain, which interprets them as sound.
Post-operative care and rehabilitation
Post-operative care is a critical component of the cochlear implant process. At Mediclinic in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, the hospitals offer comprehensive post-operative programming and rehabilitation services to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
Programming:
After the surgery, the cochlear implant needs to be fine-tuned to meet the specific needs of the patient. This involves:
- Initial mapping and programming of the speech processor
- Regular follow-up visits to adjust the settings as the patient adapts to the new hearing sensations
Rehabilitation:
Rehabilitation is essential for both adults and children to maximise the benefits of the cochlear implant. Our rehabilitation programme includes:
Auditory Training:
Patients learn to interpret the new sounds and improve their listening skills.
Speech and Language Therapy:
Especially important for paediatric patients, this therapy helps in developing clear speech and effective communication skills.
Counselling and Support:
We provide ongoing support to patients and their families to help them adjust to life with a cochlear implant.
Follow-up and Monitoring:
Continuous monitoring and follow-up are vital to ensure the long-term success of the cochlear implant. Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital in Abu Dhabi offers...
- Regular check-ups to monitor the patient’s progress
- Adjustments to the cochlear implant settings as needed
- Support and resources for any challenges the patient might face during their rehabilitation journey
Where to get Cochlear Implant in the UAE?
From meticulous pre-operative assessments to expert surgical procedures and dedicated post-operative care, Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital's team is committed to delivering the highest standard of care.
The hospital's collaboration with leading experts ensures that patients receive the best possible outcomes, enabling them to reconnect with the world of sound and improve their quality of life.
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