Cochlear implant: The end of deafness
Thessaloniki 03.06.2020 – A “new life”, without audiological problems for those suffering from hearing loss, is ready to offer the Cochlear Implant Placement Center at the Interbalkan Medical Center of Thessaloniki, with scientific directors, Emeritus Professor of ENT Dr. Victor Vital and Dr. Iosif Vital.
Cochlear implants, small “revolutionary devices” as they have been described, are the treatment of choice for patients over 12 months of age with bilateral deafness or for adults with severe sensorineural hearing loss that cannot be treated with modern hearing aids. The selection is made according to strict scientific criteria and requires an approach from a complex interdisciplinary team that covers the diverse needs of the patient.
How is the placement of the cochlear implant done
The placement of the cochlear implant is performed by an ENT surgeon specializing in cochlear implants under general anesthesia, with a small posterior ear incision.
The necessary audiological examination (Otoacoustic Emissions and Acoustic Dynamics) and the necessary imaging tests (CT and MRI) ensure the necessary information for the compatibility of the implant, but also determine the conditions for a successful surgical outcome.
The surgery lasts up to 3 hours, while the patient in most cases is discharged even after 2 days. Possible complications are not frequent, but even when they occur, they do not differ from those usually observed in other ear surgeries.
As stated by the head of the Cochlear Implantation Center of the Inter-Balkan Medical Center, Professor Victor Vital, “thesurgical procedure of cochlear implantation is a delicate ear surgery that requires special skills from those involved. Our team consists of experienced executives and we hope to relieve the burden of operations from state hospitals. We hope that our Center will be able to serve cases from the neighboring countries of Greece and Cyprus”
At the Inter-Balkan Medical Center, approval for the placement of cochlear implants in infants and children is expected soon, as the Hospital operates a fully organized Pediatric Clinic. Professor Victor Vital has many years of experience in cochlear implantation in children.
