SL’s first-ever simultaneous bilateral cochlear nucleus freedom series implant at state hospital

Marking a milestone in hearing healthcare, the first-ever simultaneous bilateral cochlear nucleus freedom series implant surgery was successfully performed at the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital recently. 

The team of doctors led by Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital Consultant ENT Surgeon Dr. Sanjeewani Rupasinghe, performed the surgery on a 2½ year old child, in early February. The surgical procedure implanted the cochlear nucleus freedom contour advance with wireless N7 speech processor, which is the most technologically advanced device available in the world at present. The processor was then switched on, on 24 February at the Wickramarachchi Hearing Institute in Nugegoda, to coincide with the World Cochlear Implantation Day that fell on 25 February.

The cochlear implant is an established, effective and long-term solution for people with moderate to profound hearing loss. It replaces the function of a damaged inner ear, providing sound signals to the brain, as opposed to the function of a hearing aid, which only makes the sound louder. It benefits those who have moderate to profound hearing loss in both ears or those who receive less or no benefit from hearing aids.

In light of all that has happened over the past year, access to hearing and hearing healthcare is more important now than ever. Hearing connects people, and access to sound for those with hearing loss is important for connection as we continue to socially distance ourselves to mitigate the COVID-19 virus. As such, this surgery marks the first step towards creating a safe environment to those with hearing imparity. The pandemic conditions under which the successful first procedure was conducted, reinstates the qualitative standards that the local healthcare system has, as one of the most affordable and best services in the Asian region. 

The successful bilateral implant surgery having being performed at a state hospital, also indicates the alignment to the state health policy that comes in par with the government’s health services objectives. As a result, Sri Lankans now have the opportunity to receive the treatment locally, and not having to resort to foreign healthcare services any more. The economic benefit for local patients, and the resulting upgrade towards the state healthcare through medical achievements such as this, also marks Sri Lanka in the world map for modern health procedures. Subsequently, it will derive beneficial outcomes through avenues such as medical tourism, an aspect that both the state and private sector are looking to advance for the country.

Playing an important role in the cochlear implant surgery is Wickramarachchi Hearing Care, sole agents for cochlear in Sri Lanka. The company possesses valued experience and expertise in hearing healthcare, bringing the latest technology together, along with a sense of fashion. Impartial consultation ensures that the best solution for all hearing care is provided that fits one’s lifestyle and great value for money. This milestone also stands as perfect example for a successful collaboration between the state and private owned entities, working together towards enhancing services that would greatly benefit the general public.