Implant helps Dubai patient hear from deaf ear for first time

Dubai Hospital successfully performed the first implantation and activation of a new bone conduction hearing implant in Dubai – the Bonebridge – to patient Maryam Alomairi, who was diagnosed with unilateral hearing loss 20 years ago, according to a media statement issued by the provider of the hearing implant systems.

The media note said, after a medical assessment, Dr Jamal Kassouma performed the surgery and Dr Mohamed Fawzi Moustafa activated the implant system that allowed the patient to hear for the first time from her deaf side.

Bonebridge implant manufacturer Med-El said the implant enables sound transmission directly to the inner ear by means of bone conduction. It said that such implants are suitable in cases when sound cannot be transferred to the inner ear via the natural path of hearing.

The surgery, it noted, is minimally invasive and requires a short recovery, besides the fact that the implant is compact and can be worn discretely under the hair.

“The surgery was performed in 40 minutes and the patient spent around two days in hospital for recovery. Activation of the implant can occur within two to three weeks,” said Dr Kassouma.

“This is also a step forward for Dubai Hospital as we now have successfully performed surgeries to treat hearing loss and deafness using latest technologies available in this field.”

Dr Fawzy added: “Patients in the Middle East with hearing difficulties now have access to these advanced technologies.”

According to the media statement, the patient, Maryam Alomairi, was diagnosed with deafness on her right ear 20 years ago and was told that there is no adequate treatment available to solve her problem. Med-el said in the statement that Alomairi found it increasingly difficult to cope with her tasks at work, and it was especially difficult for her to understand her colleagues or communicate with passengers while driving.

“I am very happy that I underwent the treatment and I can hear now with my right side. The treatment was uncomplicated,” she said.

[Image via Shutterstock]

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