ABU DHABI, 1st May, 2025 (WAM) -- Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi successfully completed pioneering technology for hearing loss treatment in the UAE, with the successful completion of the first active middle ear implant. This groundbreaking procedure, performed on a 63-year-old female patient suffering from complex mixed hearing loss and chronic ear infections marks a significant leap in treating this condition.

The middle ear implant is a cutting-edge intervention uniquely suited for patients who suffer from chronic ear infections and a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, where both the middle ear and the inner ear are damaged. Unlike hearing aids that amplify sound through the outer ear, this implant bypasses the damaged structures of the middle ear while simultaneously enhancing sound for the inner ear, restoring the patient's natural hearing pathway.

Emphasising on the effectiveness of the treatment, Dr. Kurt Schlemmer, Staff Physician, Otolaryngology (ENT) and Head & Neck Surgery, Surgical Subspecialties Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said, "The middle ear implant procedure is transformative for patients who have complex middle and inner ear damage and have not had success with traditional treatments. The implant bridges the gap between the inner and middle ear, offering a solution that restores natural acoustic hearing while bypassing the damaged areas."

The middle ear implant consists of an internal component, surgically attached to the middle ear, and an external processor held above the ear via a magnet. This dual system works together to overcome the limitations of previous interventions, ensuring the patient can once again hear through a natural auditory process. The pioneering surgery restores sound with reduced recovery time compared to more traditional interventions.

"Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is always at the forefront of delivering the highest standards of care by integrating advanced technology and innovative treatments, ensuring patients of all ages receive the most effective solutions tailored to their needs," Dr. Schlemmer added.