Event for Individuals with Hearing Loss to Support Societal Integration and Grow Awareness

• Cochlear Implants allow inclusion for individuals with hearing loss into the hearing world
• Patient stories are a real testament to how cochlear implants are an actual miraculous technology

Dubai, UAE, October 22, 2016:  As part of its ongoing efforts to drive stronger awareness on hearing loss, MED-EL Medical Electronics, the leading provider of hearing implant systems, hosted yesterday another event for hearing impaired patients and candidates in the UAE. The event, which took place in Dubai, serves as a platform for cochlear implant patients and candidates to get together and gain valuable information about cochlear implant systems, and how to optimize their use in day-to-day life.  

Resulting from a strengthened level of conversation with patients, MED-EL realised the pounding need for patients and their families to remain up to date with the latest advancements In Cochlear Implant technology. Furthermore, bringing the cochlear implant community together is essential to showcasing the accessibility that hearing implants have given to many children and adults; allowing them to be part of the hearing world that they would’ve otherwise been excluded from.

During the event, David Raetz, CEO, MED-EL Middle East said: "Many individuals who have hearing loss are still either unaware or sceptical of how well this solution works. And with this living a life of silence, unable to communicate adequately with the surrounding community, forced into limited career and social opportunities."

He added: "Currently, many countries in the region, including the UAE, are taking active measures towards giving access to individuals with hearing disabilities. However, we believe cochlear implant patients are the true driver for increased awareness. It is their journeys and success stories that depict a true testament to how well this life-changing technology works. We would, therefore, like to encourage them to be the ambassadors of their own cause, to give hearing loss the attention it deserves."

The event brought together many patients, who had the opportunity to interact and share their stories with other patients, as well as MED-EL experts. 

The event was concluded with a dedicated individual Q&A session, where patients were able to directly channel their personal questions and engage in discussions with MED-EL professionals. Additionally, patients shared their recommendations and suggestions for growing the hearing impairment awareness platform in the UAE and the Arab region.