Ramsay Newsroom

Image credit: South Coast Register

Over the last two years ear, nose and throat surgeon Dr EkremSerefli has performed 12 cochlear implant operations at Wollongong Private Hospital with the assistance of Hearing Implants Australia. 

One in six Australians will experience hearing loss during their lifetime, and Dr Serefli says many people over age 65 will suffer the effects in silence. 

“Hearing loss can be very isolating for older people,” said Dr Serefli. 

“Our hearing connects us with the important people in our lives and allows us to engage with the world. Hearing ability degrades in most people naturally as they age – over half of people between 60 and 70 have some degree of hearing loss. This impacts everyday activities like talking with friends and family, watching TV or socialising.”

According to Dr Serefli, who has worked in the Illawarra region for 13 years, cochlear implants are underutilised as a treatment for hearing loss.

“There are a lot of misconceptions around cochlear implants. The thought of an operation can be daunting for people, but the procedure itself is very simple and performed by a specialised surgeon.” he said. 

Hearing aids help people with hearing loss by amplifying the signal before sending it down the ear canal. However, the effectiveness is limited if the patient has damage to the cochlear. 

A cochlear implant uses electrodes to stimulate hearing cells and triggers the nerve to fire. They may be effective when hearing aids no longer work. 

The implant is placed under the skin, behind the ear with a small incision while the patient is under general anaesthetic. After the implant is switched on, patients work with an audiologist to understand how the implant works and how to get the most benefit from it. 

“Having a cochlear implant is a journey – it’s not a destination,” said Dr Serefli. 

“It’s just as important for us to support our patients after the procedure.” 

Dr Serefli said the best people to explain how the implant may benefit hearing loss are those who have had it themselves, which is why is he starting a support group called the Cochlear Family. 

The group will meet for the first time for a special Christmas lunch and share stories about their experiences before and after having the implant. New patients will also be welcome. 

Cochlear implant surgery will begin at Nowra Private Hospital early in the new year.