Al Baraha Hospital performs Middle East's first successful implant of smallest hearing device

UAE, April 28, 2016 - The medical team from Al Baraha Hospital headed by Dr Ahmed Al Amadi, Consultant and Head of the Ear, Nose and Throat Department, has successfully implanted the smallest hearing device by SOPHONO in a patient, the first such case in the Middle East.  The modern device has been implanted in the bone to deliver sound directly to the inner ear without the need to pass through the outer and middle ear.  The hearing aid is designed for patients with congenital abnormalities in the outer or middle ear. It is used for individuals suffering from repeated or severe ear infections brought on by wearing the traditional hearing devices. 

Dr. Youssif Al Serkal, Assistant Undersecretary for the Ministry of Health & Prevention Hospitals Sector, said the Ministry of Health and Prevention strives to implement key strategies to modernize medical equipment in the country in line with the efforts to improve the quality of local health services, raise patient satisfaction in the Ministry-run hospitals, increase diagnostic accuracy, and avoid surgical intervention for some cases. Dr. Al Serkal also noted that government hospitals provide better health services and keep pace with the latest advanced global developments through the use of modern equipment and applications, implementation of necessary programs, and regular staff training in collaboration with global companies.

The SOPHONO device is one of the most important developments of modern science, helping hearing-impaired patients, including children above five years old. It does not cause inconveniences in the ear drum and enables them to listen to conversations normally. Many patients have already been benefiting from the implants without any negative effect, with a high success rate of 90 percent. The device is also more advantageous over cochlear implant.

Dr. Al Amadi and his team successfully conducted the surgery to a patient who is in early 30s and had been suffering from congenital hearing problem in the right ear. 

Ahmed Obaid Khadeim, Director of Al Baraha Hospital, thanked the medical staff for their efforts to provide services in accordance with the highest international health standards and maximize health services in line with the Ministry’s vision by using modern technologies for treating patients.

Al Baraha Hospital’s Ear, Nose and Throat Department receives cases from the Northern Emirates in coordination with all Ministry-run hospitals. The medical center runs other specialized units such as Advance Audio Laboratory, Advance Balance Laboratory and Computerized Speech Analysis Laboratory.  It is the first hospital in the Middle East to perform Eustachian tube Dilatation through balloon technology, first to use the surgical navigation technology in the Ministry and only government center in the country which conducts Endoscopic surgery to treat salivary gland disorders. 

Posted on www.godubai.com on 4/28/2016 @ 10:29:35 AM