In a significant step forward for healthcare in Nigeria, Evercare Hospital Lekki has partnered with Medical Electronics (MedEl) to officially launch advanced Cochlear implant surgery aimed at addressing hearing disabilities.
Cochlear implants are revolutionary medical devices designed to restore hearing by bypassing damaged hair cells in the inner ear. They work by transmitting electrical sound signals directly to the hearing nerve, ultimately reaching the brain, which offers hope to those experiencing profound hearing loss.
The inaugural surgeries were performed by a multidisciplinary medical team, led by Prof. Marco Mandala, an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeon from the University of Siena in Italy. The team successfully completed bilateral Cochlear implant surgeries on three children in Nigeria.
Earlier this year, MedEl, a leading provider of Cochlear hearing implants, established a partnership with Evercare Hospital Lekki. This collaboration aims to provide cutting-edge Cochlear implant technology to patients suffering from chronic to profound hearing loss not only in Nigeria but also in other emerging markets like Kenya and Pakistan where Evercare operates.
Stephanie Unterreider, Project Manager for Business Development and Regional Manager at MedEl, stressed the significance of post-operative care. “The aftercare process includes counseling and regular monitoring by Speech Therapists and Audiologists to support the patients’ transition into their daily lives,” she explained.
Unterreider further mentioned that this partnership will enhance access to hearing implant technologies across Nigeria and at partner hospitals throughout the Evercare Group. “We produce, develop, and provide the implants, and we are dedicated to investing in training initiatives to ensure that more individuals can receive quality hearing care and innovative Cochlear implant solutions.”
M. Irfan Khan, Chief Commercial Officer of Evercare Group, underscored the importance of this achievement. “This success highlights the progress our collaboration with MedEl is making in the communities we serve,” he noted.
Khan elaborated on the vision behind this partnership: “By leveraging international expertise and a shared commitment to inclusive healthcare, Evercare Group and MedEl aim to create a lasting impact that goes beyond borders, bringing the gift of hearing to those in need. Our collaboration marks a pivotal milestone in our mission to transform healthcare and offer advanced hearing solutions, fostering sustainable improvements in hearing health across emerging markets. By focusing on affordability and accessibility, we are making specialized healthcare available to everyone, ensuring a sustainable impact through the training of local healthcare professionals. The launch of Cochlear implant surgeries represents a crucial advancement in this collaborative effort.”
