Media Talk on Options For Profoundly Deaf

Dr Akbar Abbas’s media talk with Shahid Akhter Rajput hosted by Dr Sadia Moeen on options for profoundly deaf and role of audiologist. Dr Akbar talks about benfits of Cochlear Implants and various tests available for new borns and toddlers who are profoundly deaf.

Mr Shahid Akhter Rajput emphasised the early detection and intervention are vital for a child’s development, and hearing is a critical part of that. Unfortunately, hearing loss affects 1 in 5 children under the age of 3, often without obvious signs. That’s why regular hearing screenings are essential, and audiology tests play a crucial role in diagnosing and assessing hearing loss in children.

He further elaborated the common audiology tests used for children:

• Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE): This quick and painless test measures tiny sounds produced by the inner ear. It’s often the first screening test for newborns and infants.
• Brainstem Evoked Response (BER): This test uses sound stimuli to measure electrical activity in the brainstem, providing valuable information about hearing nerve function.
• Auditory Steady-State Response (ASSR): This non-invasive test measures brainwaves in response to repetitive sounds, making it suitable for infants who may not respond behaviorally to traditional tests.
• Behavioral Observation Audiometry (BOA): This test observes a child’s responses to sounds of different intensities and frequencies, typically through play and interaction.

Dr Akbar elaborated on why these tests are important. He emphasised that:

• Early diagnosis: Identifying hearing loss early allows for prompt intervention, minimizing its impact on speech, language, and cognitive development.
• Tailored intervention: Different types of hearing loss require different approaches. These tests help determine the severity and type of loss, leading to appropriate treatment plans like hearing aids or rehabilitation therapy.
• Monitoring progress: Audiology tests can track a child’s progress over time, ensuring the effectiveness of the intervention and identifying any changes in hearing status.

This is an educational photo reel/video for students and patients for making informed decisions about their own and others health. Dr Akbar Abbas stands as a leading figure in ENT surgery within Pakistan, offering hope and expertise to countless patients facing similar challenges. He specializes in otolaryngology, cochlear implants, ear surgery and is one of the few experts on pituitary and head and neck cancer surgery in Pakistan. Presently serving at Aga Khan University Hospital.