Muscat:The Otology and Ear Surgery team at the University Medical City has successfully completed the first middle ear hearing implant surgery in the Sultanate of Oman. This two-hour operation has restored hearing for a female patient who had been suffering from progressive sensorineural hearing loss.
According to Oman News Agency, the patient experienced a gradual decline in her auditory capability over recent years. Medical examinations revealed medium to severe sensorineural hearing loss, and despite using conventional hearing aids, she did not achieve the desired benefit. This prompted a comprehensive medical and audiological evaluation to explore suitable treatment options.
After a thorough case study, the patient was identified as a candidate for a middle ear hearing implant, an advanced auditory rehabilitation solution for those not benefiting sufficiently from conventional hearing aids. The operation was successfully performed several weeks ago, and the subsequent activation of the external processor enabled the patient to regain hearing to exceptional levels. There was a marked improvement in her ability to distinguish sounds and understand speech, even in crowded environments.
The surgery was conducted by the Otology and Ear Surgery team, led by Dr. Khalid Said Al Zaabi, Senior Consultant Otologist at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. This reflects the advanced specialized services provided by the University Medical City in treating and rehabilitating hearing disorders.
Dr. Al Zaabi explained that the significance of such operations lies in providing a more effective alternative than conventional hearing aids, allowing for immediate and long-term benefits while bypassing the outer ear. This reduces issues related to wax accumulation in the ear canal.
He highlighted that the main challenge of this type of surgery is the precision required to fit the hearing implant onto the ossicles inside the middle ear. It demands high skill to ensure the preservation of the ossicular chain connection without affecting its natural movement.
Dr. Al Zaabi also noted that the primary criterion for eligibility for this device depends on the nature of the hearing loss and the integrity of the middle ear, verified through CT scans and audiological examinations. The patient undergoes trials of the device prior to the operation to ensure its suitability.
This achievement builds on the University Medical City's ongoing efforts to develop hearing implant programs, having previously introduced bonebridge and cochlear implant programs. It underscores the center's commitment to adopting the latest medical technologies and providing advanced therapeutic options for patients.
This success enhances the University Medical City's capabilities in handling various types of hearing loss and surgical interventions, contributing to improved healthcare services and specialized care for the community, while solidifying its reputation as a leading center for diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating hearing problems in Oman.
Source Oman News Agency