Cochlear & Hearing Implant

A cochlear implant is an advanced hearing device designed for individuals with moderately severe to profound hearing loss who derive limited benefit from conventional hearing aids. Unlike hearing aids, which simply amplify sound, a cochlear implant bypasses the damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulates the hearing nerve, enabling eligible patients to perceive speech and environmental sounds more effectively. Our specialists conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether cochlear implantation is the most appropriate treatment option. From pre-operative assessment and counselling to surgery, device activation, rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up, we provide personalized, evidence-based care to support the best possible hearing outcomes.

With timely intervention and comprehensive rehabilitation, cochlear implantation can help improve hearing, speech understanding, communication, and overall quality of life, enabling patients to participate more confidently in everyday activities.

Different types of Implantable hearing devices are available for different hearing conditions. Based on your hearing loss, medical history, and diagnostic findings, our ENT specialists recommend the most appropriate implant solution. We focus on personalized treatment planning to help patients achieve the best possible hearing outcomes while ensuring long-term support after the procedure.

Bone conduction hearing devices are designed for selected children and adults with conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, single-sided deafness, or certain congenital or acquired ear abnormalities. Instead of transmitting sound through the outer and middle ear, these devices deliver sound vibrations through the skull bone directly to the inner ear, bypassing the affected areas of the hearing pathway.

A detailed clinical assessment helps determine whether a bone conduction hearing device is the most appropriate treatment option. We provide expert guidance on device selection, implantation where indicated, fitting, and ongoing follow-up care to help patients achieve the best possible hearing outcomes.

Successful hearing restoration extends beyond surgery. Cochlear implant rehabilitation is an essential part of the hearing journey, helping patients adapt to new sounds and maximise the benefits of their hearing implant.

At Dr Hans' Centre for ENT, our comprehensive rehabilitation programme includes regular device programming (mapping), listening exercises, auditory verbal therapy (AVT), speech and language support where needed, and ongoing follow-up care. Each rehabilitation plan is tailored to the patient's age, hearing history, communication needs, and personal goals helping them make the most of their hearing implant.

With a multidisciplinary team of ENT & cochlear implant specialists, audiologists, and speech-language therapists, we provide continued guidance and support to help children and adults develop listening skills, improve speech understanding, and achieve the best possible hearing outcomes.

A detailed hearing evaluation is the first step towards identifying the type and severity of hearing loss. Our diagnostic services include advanced hearing tests for both children and adults, enabling accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations. Early assessment is particularly important for young children, as hearing plays a vital role in speech, language, and overall developmental milestones.

For patients being considered for Implantable hearing devices, including cochlear implants and bone conduction hearing devices, candidacy is determined through a detailed multidisciplinary evaluation. This assessment considers several factors, including:

• Degree and type of hearing loss
• Benefit obtained from appropriately fitted hearing aids
• Speech understanding and communication ability
• Overall health and suitability for surgery
• Imaging of the inner ear and hearing nerve, where indicated
• Motivation and commitment to post-implant rehabilitation
• For children, age, developmental needs, and family involvement

Our evaluation may include comprehensive hearing tests, speech perception assessments, imaging studies, and consultations with our ENT surgeons and audiologists. Based on these findings, we develop a personalized treatment plan and discuss the expected benefits, limitations, and rehabilitation process to help patients and their families make informed decisions.

Speech and language therapy plays a vital role in hearing rehabilitation, particularly for children with hearing loss and individuals using cochlear implants or hearing aids. It helps develop listening, speech, language, and communication skills, enabling patients to achieve their full potential in everyday life.

Our experienced speech-language therapists provide individualized therapy programmes tailored to each patient's age, hearing ability, and communication needs. A key part of our rehabilitation programme is Auditory Verbal Therapy (AVT), which focuses on teaching children to use their hearing technology effectively and develop spoken language through listening. AVT actively involves parents and caregivers, empowering them to support their child's communication development during daily routines and interactions.

Through evidence-based therapy, regular assessments, and family-centred care, we help improve listening skills, speech clarity, language development, and overall communication confidence in both children and adults, supporting successful integration at home, in school, and in the community.