Prevalence of hearing loss may be higher in Middle East region
Experts at Otolaryngology 2011 to discuss advances in cochlear implantation in treating hearing loss.
- (1888PressRelease) March 21, 2011 - Dubai, UAE - While the rate of prevalence of hearing loss in the GCC population is thought to be similar to the rest of the world at 1-3 in 1000, experts believe the rate may in fact be slightly higher due to the high rate of consanguinity present in this population. While there are currently no nation or region wide studies to indicate the exact rate of prevalence, the culture in the GCC countries and the practice to marry within families, may lead to a higher rate of hearing loss in this region.
"These factors highlight the strong need to conduct mandatory newborn hearing screening at birth at nationwide levels to help establish rate and prevalence sensitive to this region," says Dr Lubaina Sharafally, clinical audiologist at the American Hospital Dubai, who touches upon the subject matter which is one of the topics to be discussed at the upcoming Otolaryngology Exhibition and Conference (OTO 2011) in Dubai.
Cochlear implant surgery is common in the region and is being offered in major government and private hospitals in the UAE to treat hearing loss. The American Hospital Dubai is one of the centres of excellence offering a comprehensive holistic programme inclusive of audiological and speech and language support, both in English and Arabic.
"There is tremendous evidence of success of cochlear implantation in the severe to profound hearing impaired population. Early identification is essential and early implantation, by 12months of age, has shown excellent results," commented Dr Sharafally.
ENT experts from across the region will attend the Otolaryngology Conference to discuss hot topics in the field including "bilateral cochlear implantation" which means to implant both ears simultaneously. "Our recommendation in the case of bilateral severe to profound deafness is bilateral implantation, the advantages being binaural hearing, increased localisation skills and increased performance in speech and language skills," says Dr Sharafally. "However, some parents hesitate to implant both ears as they feel like they should save one side for any future technology that may improve their child's hearing further. Appropriate counseling and providing patients with research and statistics can help parents understand and make an educated decision."
Produced by IIR Middle East Life Sciences Division, which is part of Informa Exhibitions (www.informaexhibitions.com), Otolaryngology 2011 will take place from 8 - 10 May 2011, at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. This Cleveland Clinic accredited CME event is supported by the UAE Ministry of Health and the Dubai Health Authority, and sponsored by Karl Storz and Medtronic.
With new advances being made in the field of otolaryngology on an almost daily basis, keeping abreast of the latest research findings and state of the art treatments can be challenging. The specialism contains many facets, and the need to focus on specific areas while encompassing all relevant issues to enhance the knowledge of health professionals in the region, is essential.
Running alongside the conference is an exhibition which will showcase the latest technologies and product launches from manufacturers and distributors wishing to meet an influential body of senior otolaryngologists. Products such as hearing aids, laser machines, microsurgical instruments and sleep apnea devices will be on display.
For further information on the diagnosis and treatment of deafness, or details on the event, please call +971 (0)4 336 7334 or visit www.me-oto.com.
Photo caption: On the exhibition floor at OTO 2010.
About IIR Middle East:
For more information about IIR Middle East, please visit www.iirme.com.
About American Hospital Dubai:
For more information about American Hospital, please visit www.ahdubai.com.
About Karl Storz:
For more information about Karl Storz, please visit www.karlstorz.com.
About Medtronic:
For more information about Medtronic, please visit www.medtronic.com.
For media enquiries please contact:
Inga Stevens
PR Manager
Life Science Division
IIR Middle East
T: +971 4 407 2743
F: +971 4 336 4021
inga.stevens ( @ ) iirme dot com
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