Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi performs UAE’s first active middle ear implant

UAE—Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, a prominent member of the M42 healthcare group, has achieved a major breakthrough in the treatment of hearing loss in the UAE with the successful completion of the country’s first active middle ear implant procedure.

This innovative surgery was performed on a 63-year-old woman who had long struggled with complex mixed hearing loss and chronic ear infections.

Previous attempts at traditional surgical treatments had failed to improve her condition, making her an ideal candidate for this advanced intervention.

The middle ear implant represents a significant advancement for patients whose hearing loss is caused by both middle and inner ear damage-a combination known as mixed hearing loss.

Such patients often suffer from chronic ear infections that further complicate their cases.

Unlike conventional hearing aids, which simply amplify sound through the outer ear, the middle ear implant works by bypassing the damaged structures of the middle ear.

 It directly stimulates the inner ear, restoring the patient’s natural hearing pathway and providing a more effective and natural hearing experience.

Dr. Kurt Schlemmer, Staff Physician in Otolaryngology (ENT) and Head & Neck Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, emphasized the transformative nature of this treatment.

 He explained that the middle ear implant bridges the gap between the inner and middle ear, offering renewed hope for patients who have not responded to traditional therapies.

The implant consists of two main components: an internal device that is surgically attached to the middle ear, and an external processor that sits discreetly above the ear, held in place by a magnet.

This dual system works in tandem to deliver sound directly to the inner ear, overcoming the limitations of previous interventions.

One of the key benefits of this pioneering procedure is the reduced recovery time compared to older surgical methods.

 Patients can expect a quicker return to daily activities, along with a significant improvement in their quality of life.

The success of this surgery not only marks a milestone for the patient but also demonstrates Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to integrating state-of-the-art technology and innovative treatments into its care offerings.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has earned recognition as a leader in medical innovation, consistently ranking among the top smart hospitals in the UAE and the wider Gulf region.

The hospital’s multidisciplinary approach and focus on advanced technology ensure that patients receive the highest standards of personalized care.

As the hospital continues to explore and implement new solutions tailored to individual needs, this achievement highlights its dedication to bringing world-class healthcare and renewed hope to those living with complex hearing conditions in the UAE and beyond.

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