The Medical City ENT Center
2/F Podium Bldg.
Contact Numbers
(632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 local 6251
(632) 689-8201 (direct line)
Open daily from 8:00AM to 5:00PM except Sundays and Holidays
All procedures are by appointment only.
PATIENT SERVICES / Our Flagship Programs
Premier Cochlear Implant Program in the Philippines
A cochlear implant in the Philippines has become a standard rehabilitative approach for hearing impaired patients who do not benefit significantly from hearing aids. The Medical City Cochlear Implant Program (TMC-CIP) is the first private, hospital-based comprehensive program for rehabilitation of hearing-impaired children.
Children as young as 12 months of age can be candidates for this surgery. They may have been born deaf or have become deaf after learning to speak. The earlier a child is identified with hearing loss, the better hearing and speech potential that child will have. Adults can also undergo cochlear implant surgery in the Philippines. Criteria for adults and children are slightly different but they are based on similar guidelines.
The Medical City Cochlear Implant Surgery team is currently composed of Dr. Nathaniel Yang, Neurotologist; Dr. Ina Reyes-Quintos, Pediatric Otolaryngologist and Audiologist; Amadona Luistro, Audiologist and Prof. Joanne Rabang-Mata, Speech Pathologist and Auditory Verbal Therapist.
What Are Cochlear Implants?
Cochlear implants are medical devices that are surgically implanted in the inner ear to help individuals with severe hearing loss or deafness. They work by bypassing damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulating the auditory nerve, allowing sound signals to be sent to the brain and interpreted as sound.
Who Is a Good Candidate for A Cochlear Implant?
Individuals who have severe to profound hearing loss in both ears and do not benefit from traditional hearing aids may be candidates for a cochlear implant. Children as young as 12 months old can receive cochlear implants, while adults of any age can also benefit from this technology.
How Does a Cochlear Implant Work?
A cochlear implant consists of two main parts: an external sound processor and an internal implant. The sound processor captures sounds from the environment, processes them, and then transmits them via a transmitter coil to the internal implant. The implant then converts these signals into electrical impulses that are sent to the auditory nerve and interpreted as sound by the brain.
How Is It Different from Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids amplify sound and help individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. Cochlear implants, on the other hand, bypass damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve, providing a more direct route for sound signals to reach the brain. They are designed specifically for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss or deafness.
Who Could Benefit from Cochlear Implants?
Cochlear implants can greatly benefit individuals who have severe to profound hearing loss or deafness and do not receive significant improvement from traditional hearing aids. This includes both children and adults, as well as those with various types of hearing loss, including sensorineural, conductive, and mixed. Cochlear implants can also be beneficial for individuals with single-sided deafness, where one ear has significant hearing loss and the other has normal or near-normal hearing.
What Is the Recovery Process Like After Getting a Cochlear Implant?
Recovery from cochlear implant surgery in the Philippines typically takes about 2-4 weeks. During this time, the incision site will heal, and you may experience some mild discomfort or swelling. Your doctor will provide instructions for post-operative care and follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
What Can I Expect from My Hearing After Getting a Cochlear Implant?
After receiving a cochlear implant, it is important to have realistic expectations about your hearing. While it can greatly improve your ability to understand speech and communicate, it may not fully restore normal hearing. It may take some time for your brain to adjust to the new way of processing sound, so patience and practice with auditory rehabilitation is key for success. Additionally, regular maintenance and programming adjustments may be needed to optimize the performance of your cochlear implant.
Can I Still Wear Traditional Hearing Aids After Getting a Cochlear Implant?
Yes, it is possible to wear both a cochlear implant and traditional hearing aid in the same ear. This can help provide additional amplification for residual hearing that may not be fully restored by the cochlear implant.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Getting a Cochlear Implant?
As with any surgery, there are potential risks involved with getting a cochlear implant. These risks include infection, damage to the surrounding structures in the ear, and changes in taste or sensation on the side of the face where the implant is placed. However, these risks are rare, and most individuals have successful outcomes with no complications.
What Are the Types of Cochlear Implants?
There are two main types of cochlear implants: single-channel and multichannel. Single-channel cochlear implants use one electrode to stimulate the auditory nerve, while multichannel implants have multiple electrodes that can target different areas of the auditory nerve for more precise sound perception. Advanced features such as noise reduction and directional microphones are also available in some cochlear implant models to further improve speech understanding in noisy environments. Your doctor can help determine which type of cochlear implant is best for your specific hearing needs.
How Long Do Cochlear Implants Last?
Cochlear implants are designed to be long-lasting and durable, with many lasting up to 15-20 years or more. However, the internal implant may need to be replaced at some point due to wear and tear or technological advancements. Your doctor will monitor the performance of your cochlear implant over time and discuss any necessary replacements with you.
How Do I Find Out If a Cochlear Implant Is Right for Me?
If you have severe hearing loss and traditional hearing aids are not providing enough benefit, it may be worth talking to your doctor about whether a cochlear implant could help you. They will evaluate your hearing and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. It is also important to research and consult with various healthcare professionals to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of getting a cochlear implant.
What Tests Are Done Before You Can Receive a Cochlear Implant in the Philippines?
Before receiving a cochlear implant, you will undergo a series of tests to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. These may include hearing screening tests, imaging scans of your ears and brain, and evaluations by an audiologist and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Your overall health and medical history will also be taken into consideration. These assessments will help determine if a cochlear implant is the best treatment option for your specific hearing needs.
What Are the Risks of This Surgery?
The risks associated with cochlear implant surgery in the Philippines are generally low, but as with any surgery, there is always a risk of complications. These can include infection, damage to surrounding structures in the ear, and changes in taste or sensation on the side of the face where the implant is placed. There is also a small chance that the procedure may not be successful or that you may experience issues with the implant over time. It is important to discuss any concerns or potential risks with your doctor before making a decision about getting a cochlear implant.
What Can You Expect During the Surgery?
During the surgery, you will be under general anesthesia so you will not feel any pain or discomfort. The procedure itself typically takes 2-3 hours and involves making an incision behind the ear to access the mastoid bone. A small hole is then drilled into the bone, allowing for placement of the internal implant. The electrode array is delicately inserted into the cochlea and secured in place. The incision is then closed with dissolvable stitches, and you will wake up in the recovery room shortly after.