Muscat – A medical team from the Otorhinolaryngology Department at Al Nahda Hospital has successfully carried out a cochlear implant on a nine-week-old infant, believed to be the youngest recipient of the procedure in the world.

The baby, who suffered hearing loss due to cerebral meningitis, underwent the two-hour surgery led by Dr Youssef bin Ali al Saidi, Consultant Otorhinolaryngologist at the hospital. The case surpassed the previously recorded youngest cochlear implant patient – a ten-week-old in the United States.

Dr Saidi said early intervention was critical due to the risks posed by meningitis. “Cochlear implants are typically performed between nine months and one year of age. But in this case, immediate surgery was essential to prevent irreversible damage to the cochlea,” he said.

The infant’s condition was diagnosed through a neurological hearing test conducted within a week of his illness. Following protocol, the team moved quickly to schedule the surgery to preserve remaining auditory function.

Performing the procedure at such an early age presented significant challenges. The small size of the infant’s ear structures, particularly the narrow area around the cochlea, made the operation more complex. “There were additional difficulties due to meningitis deposits obstructing the cochlea, making precise insertion of the device even more demanding,” Dr Saidi informed.

Use of general anaesthesia in babies also involve risks, requiring extreme precision during surgical procedures.

Prior to the surgery, the team conducted thorough preparations, including advanced auditory assessments and imaging of the brain and cochlea to assess the extent of damage and plan the procedure.

Following the implant, the child showed early response to sound. Doctors anticipate continued progress in hearing and language development through regular therapy sessions at the hospital’s hearing and speech rehabilitation clinics.

Dr Saidi said the child would be closely monitored over the coming years. “He will receive ongoing support to ensure his speech and hearing develop in line with his age group.”