Impaired Hearing/Deafness
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
When dealing with impaired hearing or deafness, treatments can vary significantly depending on the cause and severity of the hearing loss. Typically, treatment options range from non-invasive solutions such as hearing aids to more advanced surgical options like cochlear implants.
- Hearing Aids: For individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, hearing aids are the most common and accessible treatment option. These devices amplify sound and can be customized to fit a patient’s specific hearing needs. Modern hearing aids are discreet, highly customizable, and capable of connecting to digital devices via Bluetooth. They are tailored to address different frequencies of hearing loss and come in various designs, including in-ear and behind-the-ear models.
- Cochlear Implants: For those with severe or profound hearing loss, cochlear implants offer a more advanced solution. Unlike hearing aids that amplify sound, cochlear implants bypass damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve, allowing individuals to perceive sound. Cochlear implant surgery involves placing an electronic device in the inner ear (cochlea) and fitting an external processor to capture and process sounds.
- Bone-Anchored Hearing Systems (BAHS): These devices are ideal for individuals with conductive hearing loss, single-sided deafness, or mixed hearing loss. BAHS transmit sound through the skull bones directly to the inner ear. This technology requires surgical implantation of a small titanium fixture in the skull, to which an external sound processor attaches.
The choice of treatment depends on various factors, including the extent of hearing loss, the underlying cause, and the patient’s lifestyle. Each option aims to restore hearing function and improve communication abilities, allowing patients to live fuller, more independent lives.
Procedure Duration
The duration of the procedure and recovery varies depending on the type of treatment chosen.
- Hearing Aid Fitting and Adjustment: For hearing aids, the procedure is non-invasive, and fittings are typically completed in a single visit. However, adjustments to the device may require multiple appointments over a few weeks to ensure the correct programming. Once fitted, patients can expect to experience improved hearing immediately, though an adaptation period of a few days to weeks is common as the brain adjusts to amplified sounds.
- Cochlear Implant Surgery: Cochlear implant surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about two to three hours. Following surgery, there is a recovery period of several weeks to allow the incision to heal. After the healing process, patients return to have the external processor fitted and activated. Full adaptation to the implant and auditory training may take several months, as patients gradually learn to interpret the sounds transmitted by the device.
- Bone-Anchored Hearing System Surgery: The BAHS implantation procedure also requires surgery, which generally lasts about an hour and is performed under local or general anesthesia. After surgery, the patient must wait for the implant to fuse with the bone, a process known as osseointegration, which can take several weeks. Once healing is complete, the external processor is attached, and patients undergo an adjustment phase to optimize hearing.
Overall, hearing treatments can vary in terms of time commitment, with non-surgical solutions being quicker and surgical interventions requiring more extended recovery and adaptation periods.
Benefits
- Improved Hearing Function: Enhances the ability to perceive sound, improving communication and quality of life.
- Tailored Solutions: Treatments are customizable based on the specific type and severity of hearing loss.
- Restoration of Social Interaction: Hearing treatments help individuals re-engage in social activities, reducing feelings of isolation.
- Non-Invasive and Surgical Options: Various solutions cater to different levels of hearing loss, from simple aids to complex surgeries.
- Long-Term Results: Both non-invasive and surgical options provide durable solutions for managing hearing loss over the long term.
Potential Destinations
Medical tourism for hearing loss treatments offers opportunities to receive world-class care at a fraction of the cost found in some countries. Below are five popular destinations known for their expertise in treating hearing impairments:
- India: India is renowned for its affordable yet high-quality healthcare, especially in fields like otology (ear care). Medical tourists can access advanced cochlear implant surgeries and other hearing loss treatments performed by experienced surgeons using cutting-edge technology.
- Thailand: A leading medical tourism destination, Thailand offers a blend of world-class healthcare and affordable pricing. Hospitals in cities like Bangkok and Phuket are well-equipped for hearing loss procedures, from hearing aids to cochlear implants, attracting patients from around the globe.
- Turkey: Turkey’s healthcare system is well-regarded for offering comprehensive treatment options, including cochlear implant surgeries and bone-anchored hearing systems. Major cities like Istanbul boast state-of-the-art hospitals that cater to international patients seeking specialized care.
- Mexico: For patients from the U.S. and Canada, Mexico offers a nearby and affordable option for hearing loss treatments. Many clinics provide top-tier services, including cochlear implant surgeries, often at a fraction of the cost of similar treatments in the U.S.
- South Korea: Known for its advanced technology and highly skilled surgeons, South Korea is another excellent destination for those seeking hearing loss treatments. Its hospitals are equipped with the latest devices and techniques for treating both mild and severe hearing impairments.
Risks & Considerations
- Surgical Complications: Like all surgeries, cochlear implants and BAHS procedures carry the risk of infection, bleeding, or complications with anesthesia.
- Device Malfunction: Hearing aids and cochlear implants may require occasional maintenance or replacement if they malfunction or wear out over time.
- Adaptation Time: Patients often need time to adjust to their hearing devices, and for cochlear implants, this may involve several months of auditory training.
- Cost: While medical tourism offers cost savings, patients must consider travel expenses, follow-up care, and the potential need for return visits.
- Candidacy: Not all patients are suitable for surgical hearing treatments. Factors such as overall health, the degree of hearing loss, and ear anatomy play crucial roles in determining eligibility.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
When seeking treatment for hearing impairments abroad, selecting the right doctor and hospital is crucial. Look for doctors who are board-certified in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat) or have specialized training in audiology or hearing surgeries. Review the doctor’s experience with the specific treatment you are considering, whether it be hearing aids, cochlear implants, or BAHS.
Additionally, prioritize hospitals or clinics with a strong track record in treating international patients. Verify that the facility uses the latest technology and devices and has experienced staff who are proficient in handling patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. It’s also important to ensure the facility provides comprehensive aftercare and support for device maintenance or follow-up surgeries if needed.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
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Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
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