The ear is made up of the external, middle and inner parts. Conductive hearing loss is caused by problems in the external and middle ear, that can prevent sounds from getting into the inner ear. This could be due to ear wax, middle ear infections, a build up of fluids in the middle ear, or a hole in the ear drum.
Sensori-neural hearing loss occurs when the inner ear or the nerve supplying it, is damaged. A child may be born with this condition (eg, inherited condition or mother contracted German measles while pregnant) or acquire it later in life.
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While hearing aids may provide a person with improved hearing, one with very severe sensorineural hearing loss will be unable to hear well even with a hearing aid. In such instances, he or she may benefit from a cochlear implant. A cochlear implant is a device that is inserted into the inner ear. It provides useful hearing to those with total or severe to profound sensori-neural hearing loss. It does not function like a hearing aid to amplify sounds, but instead bypasses the damaged part of the inner ear to stimulate the remaining auditory nerve fibres.
In a child, speech and language development depends on the ability to listen normally. Therefore, unlike older children and adults who are able to complain that they have hearing loss, young children born with hearing loss may present with delayed or abnormal speech development.
Types of Treatment
Some types of hearing loss can be corrected with medications or surgery. There are also medical devices like hearing aids, that can be used to improve hearing. Restoration of hearing is followed by rehabilitation which is often important in order to achieve good outcomes.
Benefits of Effective Treatment
Medical technology can potentially help patients hear and interpret sounds in speech so that they can lead a better quality of life. Some adults can even look forward to hearing sounds that may help them to carry on a conversation and participate in everyday life and it may also enhance their employability. The treatment outcome in children varies but generally, the earlier the detection, the better the results. Ultimately the objective is for the child to develop speech and language and have an opportunity to participate in mainstream education.
CMF-SGH Centre for Hearing and Cochlear Implants, Singapore General Hospital (SGH)
The CMF-SGH Centre for Hearing and Cochlear Implants is a centre of excellence which harnesses state-of-the-art technology and techniques to detect, diagnose and medically treat children and adults with any degree of hearing impairment. Its holistic programmes are aimed at fulfilling the social and emotional needs of the hearing impaired.
Pioneer With Years Of Experience
SGH is the pioneer of cochlear implants in Singapore, in both children and adults. Our Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeons are among the most experienced in the region, and have performed cochlear implant surgeries since 1997.
Large Patient Base
To date, over 230 patients have received their cochlear implants at SGH; the youngest being 10 months and the oldest 80 years old.
Comprehensive Evaluation Process
We ensure that each potential candidate ranging from infants to adults undergo comprehensive evaluation to determine their suitability for a cochlear implant. Our cochlear implant candidacy evaluation process includes medical, audiological, speech and language assessments and appropriate psychometric assessments.
Advanced Technology
We utilise cutting edge technology to screen and diagnose babies and adults. Our audiologists assess the patient's level of hearing, provide expert advice and counselling in the selection of an appropriate hearing device and ensure each patient receives optimal benefits. They provide ongoing support in the patient's pre and post cochlear implantation process.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Using a multidisciplinary approach, doctors and other professionals such as the audiologist, speech therapist, psychologist, hearing educational counselor and medical social worker work together to ensure that the patient reaps the most benefits from their cochlear implant. All patients, whether they are children or adults, receive post-implant rehabilitation at the centre. Rehabilitation involves Auditory-Verbal therapy and essential listening skills to optimise the hearing potential that the cochlear implant offers.
For enquiries and appointments, please contact:
 Singapore General Hospital
International Medical Service
Tel: (65) 6326 5656 Fax: (65) 6326 5900
Email: ims@singhealth.com.sg
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