KAMPALA, Uganda — C-Care IHK will conduct cochlear implant surgeries from March 21-23, 2025, offering renewed hope to Ugandans with severe hearing loss.
The initiative, in partnership with MedPath Technologies Uganda, aims to address the needs of the country’s estimated 1.2 million hearing-impaired individuals.
Dr. Miriam Mutero Musinga, General Manager of C-Care IHK, emphasized the significance of providing these surgeries locally. “This surgery is a door to future opportunities for Ugandans to access health services locally, which were previously only available abroad at a much higher cost,” she said. The procedure, ranging from $13,000 to $16,000 at C-Care IHK, is considerably more affordable than overseas treatment.
Dr. Mutero also announced that C-Care IHK has implemented mandatory newborn hearing screening as part of its expanding audiology services, aiming to detect and address hearing challenges early in life.
“We have introduced mandatory newborn screening for hearing, ensuring that any challenges are detected early, and solutions can be implemented promptly,” Dr. Mutero said. This initiative is part of C-Care IHK’s broader effort to improve hearing healthcare access in Uganda.
The hospital recently launched an audiology center offering comprehensive hearing tests and basic hearing devices. Dr. Mutero also announced plans to expand audiology services across the C-Care network, starting with the new Mbale hospital.
Dr. Mutero highlighted the hospital’s progress in cochlear implant surgeries, stating that they successfully performed their 45th procedure last year and will conduct three more this weekend, bringing the total to 48.
Mr. Nathan Nanjaya, Country Representative of Medel, demonstrated the cochlear implant technology, explaining how it bypasses damaged ear components to directly stimulate the auditory nerve. “With this technology, these children can lead normal lives, attend school, and eventually become contributing members of society,” Nanjaya said.
The impact of these implants is vividly illustrated by the experience of six-year-old Maria, who regained her hearing through the procedure. “For years, I prayed for a miracle. Now, I can call my daughter’s name, and she turns to me,” said Maria’s mother, Esther, highlighting the profound emotional transformation brought about by the surgery.
The hospital is conducting a Cochlear Implant Awareness Campaign throughout March, offering free hearing tests and preparing for the upcoming surgeries
Dr. Sedrack Matsiko, an ENT surgeon, highlighted the broader impact of restoring hearing.
“Individuals with hearing loss will not be able to participate in social interaction, learn, and this has related social and economic impacts. These cochlear implants are therefore crucial to correct hearing defects,” he said.
Dr. Christopher Ndoleriire, an ENT surgeon and lecturer at Makerere University’s School of Medicine, stressed the importance of public education and regular screenings.
“Our goal is to educate the public about the importance of hearing health, the need for regular screenings, and the available treatment options,” he said.
Dr. Thomas Rasse, a visiting ENT surgeon from Austria, discussed the technical aspects of the implants and the importance of post-operative care.
“Among the three companies worldwide that produce such implants, only our company, Medel, offers customized electrode lengths tailored to each patient’s unique cochlear size,” Dr. Rasse said.
He also emphasized the importance of follow-up care and rehabilitation for optimal outcomes.
“It’s essential to have regular follow-up appointments with an audiologist, who will guide parents and patients on how to optimize the processor settings and develop effective training strategies.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 80% of the world’s hearing-impaired individuals live in developing countries like Uganda.
Healthcare professionals are calling for increased funding and awareness to expand access to this life-changing technology.
