A multidisciplinary team from Cochlear Implants and Hearing Aids Program in King Abdulaziz Medical City for the National Guard- Riyadh successfully implanted the smallest electronic cochlear (Concerto) for the first time in the Middle East. The recipients were two Saudi children where one of them received two of implants at the same time.
Dr. Saad Al Mohrij, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), National Guard Health Affairs said having access to such advanced medical technologies in the field of hearing disabilities and the success of implementing them by the medical team reflects the NGHA’s continuous strive to keep up with medical and scientific development to meet the health needs of the citizens.
Moreover, Dr. Al-Mohrij pointed out that the Cochlear Implant Program has implanted more than 50 electronic cochlear implants and middle ear hearing aids since its foundation in 1429 H under the supervision of a Saudi medical team consisting of more than 14 health and social specialties.
On the other hand, Dr. Hazem AlEid, a Cochlear Implant consultant at King Abdulaziz Medical City- Riyadh said that this cochlear is highly advanced and it is the smallest and lightest electronic cochlear in the world. It is no more than a couple of millimeters thick and weights less than seven grams as it is entirely made of titanium. These features are very important especially for younger children as with this new implant they would need a simple incision and a short surgery.