Specialist surgeons at Jowako Specialist Hospital in Kaduna have successfully conducted cochlear implant surgeries on children experiencing profound hearing loss. The surgical team was spearheaded by Prof. Mohammed Garba Mainasara, a consultant ENT and head and neck surgeon, in collaboration with Prof. Ahmed Mahanna, an expert in otology and cochlear implantation from the Alexandria School of Medicine.

Prof. Mainasara elaborated on cochlear implantation as a surgical intervention for individuals with complete hearing loss. He noted that the procedure is adaptable for babies as young as one year old, as well as for adults who have lost their hearing due due to illness or medication. The procedure entails the insertion of a device that directly stimulates the auditory nerve, thereby transmitting sound to the brain and circumventing damaged portions of the ear.

Emphasizing the critical role of early detection, Prof. Mainasara highlighted that Jowako Hospital has initiated newborn hearing screenings. This proactive measure aims to identify any hearing abnormalities early, enabling timely planning for cochlear implantation. Prof. Mahanna, who pioneered cochlear implant surgery in Kaduna in 2020, underscored the transformative impact of the device. He shared examples of patients born deaf who, after successful implantation, now attend mainstream schools and have pursued professional careers. He stressed that while the surgery marks a significant milestone, it is merely the beginning of a comprehensive process, which must be followed by extensive speech and auditory rehabilitation to help these children integrate normally with their peers.

The device utilized in these surgeries is manufactured by Medical Electronics (MED-EL) from Austria. However, its high cost, exceeding N35 million, presents a significant barrier, as most patients in Nigeria are currently responsible for covering the expense. Both Prof. Mahanna and the families of the patients have urged the federal government to consider subsidizing the cost of the device, drawing parallels with countries such as Tanzania and India where such governmental support is already in place. It was gathered that since 2020, the same dedicated team has performed over 30 cochlear implant surgeries in Kaduna, showcasing their commitment to addressing hearing loss in the region.