Abu Dhabi performs its first pediatric brain hearing implants on toddlers

Abu Dhabi has completed its first auditory brainstem implant surgeries on children, treating two toddlers aged 23 months at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City. The procedures represent a medical first for the emirate and offer hope for children who cannot benefit from traditional cochlear implants.

The surgeries were performed through Abu Dhabi's Visiting Physicians Programme, which brings international medical experts to work alongside local teams. German neurosurgeon Prof. Robert Behr led the procedures in collaboration with SSMC's multidisciplinary team.

How did it work?

Auditory brainstem implants differ significantly from the more common cochlear implants. While cochlear implants work by stimulating the inner ear, ABIs bypass the ear entirely and send electrical signals directly to the brainstem.

The procedure is used when children are born without functional auditory nerves or cochlea, making cochlear implants impossible. The surgery involves:

• Placing electrodes directly on the brainstem's hearing center
• Creating a pathway for sound signals to reach the brain
• Enabling basic sound perception rather than full hearing restoration

Both children underwent comprehensive clinical evaluations before surgery to determine their suitability for the procedure. The operations required exceptional precision given the complexity of working near the brainstem.

Why does it matter?

The timing of these surgeries is critical. Children develop speech and language skills most effectively during their first few years of life, making early intervention essential for those born with severe hearing impairments.

While ABI doesn't restore natural hearing, it provides important benefits:

• Basic sound perception that helps children engage with their environment
• Foundation for speech and language development through therapy
• Improved quality of life and social integration opportunities

Dr. Ahmad Al Shamsi from SSMC's ENT division noted the profound impact on families: "For families, this represents a truly life-changing moment, when a child hears their parents' voices for the first time."

The children will require ongoing rehabilitation and speech therapy to maximize the benefits of their implants. Success depends heavily on consistent therapeutic support following the surgery.

The context

This medical milestone fits into Abu Dhabi's broader strategy to position itself as a regional healthcare hub. The emirate has been investing heavily in specialized medical capabilities and international partnerships to treat complex conditions locally rather than requiring patients to travel abroad.

The Visiting Physicians Programme, launched by Abu Dhabi's Department of Health, allows local medical teams to learn advanced procedures while providing patients access to world-class expertise. This model helps build long-term capabilities within the UAE's healthcare system.

ABI surgery remains highly specialized globally, with only select medical centers offering the procedure. The successful completion of these surgeries indicates SSMC's growing capabilities in complex neurosurgical procedures and positions Abu Dhabi as a destination for specialized pediatric care in the Middle East region.