Abu Dhabi University teams up with Swiss company to make ear implants more affordable

Abu Dhabi University has launched a campaign to make cochlear implants cheaper for those with hearing loss in the UAE.

Part of the UAE Hears the World Initiative, it is a new project launched in tandem with Swiss company Neubio — which produces electronic-free earpieces.

It will include donating 50 implants to various groups across the UAE and around the world to support people in need ahead of Ramadan this month.

Why does it matter?

In the UAE, the price of cochlear implants range from $27,000 to $68,000, and that price includes the cost of surgery and the device itself, which come with a $20,000 to $30,000 price tag.

Under the new initiative, where they will be produced domestically, they are expected to cost $10,000 to $12,000.

Dr Montasir Qasymeh, associate provost for research, innovation and academic development at the Abu Dhabi University, said the partners were still being sought to help with mass production of the devices.

"These are made-in-UAE cochlear implants, based on Swiss technology or European technology, which is new. So this is going to be made available. We are now in the process of communicating with authorities," he told The National.

How will it work?

These affordable hearing aids are electronic-free, which reduces the risks associated with electronic failure and the need for revision surgery. They are also designed to be compact, offering surgeons greater flexibility during procedures and reducing surgery time under anesthesia with less drilling.

The technology uses a digital-to-analog electric simulation, which provides users with a full-spectrum hearing experience that closely mimics natural hearing.

Dr Qasymeh said the implants would first be made available to Emiratis and then to residents at a later date. He added that the plan is to eventually ensure that the cochlear implants are included in medical insurance plans.

The implants have already been approved by the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, and a pilot program is now being lined up.

Joshua Chang — director of global impact at Neubio — is also pleased with the deal, adding that they hope their devices can reach underserved communities.

Through the initiative, Neubio aims to make hearing solutions accessible to people regardless of their economic status and is committed to providing the implant device at a significantly reduced cost.

"The initiative promotes both medical device innovation and humanitarian efforts," said Mr Chang.

The context

About 2.5 billion people are projected to have some degree of hearing loss by 2050, while at least 700 million will require hearing rehabilitation, according to the World Health Organisation.

More than 5% of the world's population — or 430 million people — require rehabilitation to address some loss of hearing. These include 34 million children.