Cochlear prosthetics in Turkey

The main condition for effective treatment of hearing loss is a quick response. If the child is under 3 years old, there is a much greater chance of restoring hearing and promoting the correct formation of speech centers.

After cochlear implantation (CI), he will be able to hear and learn to speak correctly.

Elderly people deserve no less attention. After 50 years, many people experience hearing loss. This not only causes a deterioration in the quality of life, but can also lead to social paranoia, cause causeless aggression, and prolonged depression.

Cochlear implantation abroad can be a solution to hearing problems. It allows the patient to return to a normal healthy life, become a socially active person, and experience joy from communication, study or work.

CI is an irreversible process of implanting an implant into the cochlea of the inner ear. A compact electronic device that transmits received information by stimulating auditory nerve cells in the form of an impulse to the brain. The second one is attached behind the ear. Thanks to the prosthesis, a feeling of natural hearing is created.

The operation is not performed on all patients with hearing problems. The main indications for prosthetics are:

• 2-sided sensorineural deafness (level more than 95 dB);
• lack of effect or negligible benefit from hearing aids;
• short-term loss or decrease in hearing up to 70 dB (for example, as a result of injury or the effects of drugs);
• preservation of nerve endings in the inner ear;
• no contraindications to invasive intervention.

After surgery, patients can fully adapt to normal existence. For some patients, CI is the only opportunity to learn to hear speech, music and other sounds.

CI installation is not recommended if:

• the effect of using a hearing aid is observed. In this case, using a removable headset is more convenient and practical than minimally invasive intervention;
• deafness did not arise due to pathology of the inner ear;
• Hearing loss in older people occurs over a long period of time. Cochlear implantation stimulates centers in the brain. If there is no activity in them for a long time after surgery, the patient may become disoriented, which will require long-term rehabilitation.

Important to remember! For effective adaptation, a patient with an implant must undergo a training program, which takes six months or more (depending on the initial condition).

Today, one of the most progressive centers providing treatment for hearing loss abroad is the Acibadem Medical Center. This is the leading clinic in Turkey, which performs cochlear implantation in children and adults according to the American system. On average, the operation lasts up to 6 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.

A rehabilitation program of sessions with a speech therapist and teacher of the deaf is prescribed for each patient individually. It is recommended for a period of up to 2 years. Over time, the number of classes will decrease, and the quality of hearing will improve.

Important! The operation of the device must be tested at least once a year. If CI centers are available, adjustments can be carried out in your home country.

Over the past decade, medicine in Turkey has developed rapidly due to investments in equipment and education of doctors and medical personnel. In addition to the high level of medical care, Turkish centers are in demand due to their more affordable prices (compared to hearing loss treatment in Israel or Germany).

There are other advantages of surgery at Acibadem Hospital:

• The doctor who performs the implantation (Prof.dr.Mehmet Zİya Özüer) works with devices from the Austrian company Cochlear. These are modern models that comply with the international standard ISO/NP 14708-7.
• The operation is carried out as quickly as possible. For children under 3 years of age, it is important to undergo implantation as soon as possible (while there is a chance to develop the main speech centers). In the EU and CIS countries, CIs are also carried out, but the waiting list is extended for a year in advance.
• Advanced minimally invasive equipment allows the operation to be performed using the most gentle method, which increases the overall effectiveness of treatment and reduces the risk of complications.
• First-class medical care and the use of reliable implants improve the longevity and quality of patients’ hearing.

Experts Medical helps you to select a clinic and doctor, to organize treatment and support after surgery, and also it provides assistance in obtaining financial support for cochlear implantation (in the amount of 10 000 euros). The patient is provided with a free interpreter, transfer, escort, booking of accommodation and air tickets (with an 80% discount upon agreement with the airline) and other organizational issues.

Additionally, we provide the possibility of unhindered communication with the surgeon before and after treatment.