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Cochlear Implant Center Celebrates Five Years of Giving the Gift of Hearing

An exciting and landmark celebration took place on Friday, July 15, 2005 at Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel - a reunion of children, who had undergone cochlear implant surgery at the hospital since the service was introduced five years ago. They were joined by their families, the medical teams who had treated them, and the therapists who continue their rehabilitation.

Cochlear implantation (CI) involves the insertion of a tiny electronic device into the ear's cochlea, which simulates the function of the inner ear by converting verbal speech signals into electrical mode, directly stimulating the auditory nerve. As a result, hearing sensations are perceived that cannot be obtained even with the most powerful conventional hearing aid.

CI is conducted in children suffering from severe hearing impairments in both ears, where the use of hearing aids did not produce the anticipated progress in speech and language.

The Cochlear  sImplant  Center at Schneider Children's initiated activities five years ago and is staffed by specialists from both the Audiology Institute and the Department of Otolaryngology (E.N.T). A highly skilled and experienced staff in the realm of pediatric EEG treats about 7,000 children annually. Key personnel underwent advanced training at leading centers abroad obtaining special skills in cochlear implantation including objective acoustic emission and aural rehabilitation. The majority of children treated at Schneider Children's has developed speech and language and has been absorbed in the regular or integrated educational framework.

The multidisciplinary staff in the Cochlear Implant  Center embraces a wide range of professionals including an otolarygologist, audiologist, nurse, music and art therapists, a social worker, psychiatrist, communications technician and a speech and language therapist.

The celebration was marked with speeches by Dr. Eyal Raveh, who addressed the latest advances in cochlear implantation and the secrets of its success; Prof. Joseph Attias, who emphasized the importance of early screening for deafness; Shlomit Elisof, who spoke about music therapy as a means of enjoyment and communication; and the Family of Nassif Abu-Moch, who presented a moving story of success.

Dr. Raveh, Director of ENT at Schneider Children's, noted that, "the most exciting part of the celebration was seeing children who should be deaf, speaking on the stage with a normal voice quality. These are children who, following cochlear implantations, are just like other regular kids."

The event included special fun activities, an animal happening, refreshments, the humorous antics of clowns, surprises and more.

Petach Tikvah, July 18, 2005  

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