Posted on: Wed 13-03-2024

With new data showing that 1 in 4 people have never had their hearing tested, Evercare Group is partnering with MED-EL to bring cochlear implant innovation and care to people living with hearing loss in Nigeria, Kenya, and Pakistan.

The partnership designed to join forces to provide state-of-the-art cochlear implant care was announced as the world mark of this year’s World Hearing Day.

The Evercare Group, a specialist in high-quality private healthcare in Africa and South Asia, and MED-EL, a global leader in hearing implant technology, have formed an important international alliance that will increase access to ear and hearing care services for thousands of people living with undiagnosed and untreated hearing loss.  With hearing loss on the rise and low awareness about its impact, the timing of this new venture is key.

The World Health Organization, WHO, says 1 in 5 people around the world live with hearing loss. However, in the latest global market research conducted by MED-EL, a staggering 24 per cent of people have never had their hearing tested, compared to just 8 per cent yet to have a sight test.

To address this, the partnership aims to establish state-of-the-art ear and hearing care services at Evercare Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, and subsequently in other countries where Evercare operates. Each clinic will provide specialist care for people with severe to profound hearing loss, including the latest cochlear implant innovations. World-renowned international surgeons will also visit the clinics to ensure patients receive the highest standards of surgical care and support the training of local experts.

Cochlear implants are innovative medical devices that replicate the sense of hearing for individuals who would otherwise be unable to hear. The implant bypasses the non-functioning hair cells in the inner ear (cochlea) and sends electrical sound signals directly to the hearing nerve and onto the brain so the person can hear. Samuel, a cochlear implant user from Nigeria, explained the life-changing impact that regaining his hearing had:

They explained: “Apart from hearing again, the implant gave me my confidence back and got me out of depression. It also helps me to interact and communicate easily.

“I no longer feel isolated when in a meeting or with a group of people. One of the highs of my cochlear implant experience was the joy I felt making my first phone calls to family and friends who live far away and hearing their voices.”

Speaking on the partnership, MED-EL’s CEO Dr Ingeborg Hochmair explained: “Untreated hearing loss can have a detrimental impact on people’s overall quality of life, health, education, and social interactions. We are delighted to be working with the Evercare Group to bring together our unique expertise to ensure that more people can access quality hearing care and cochlear implant innovations to help them live a life full of possibilities.”

On his part, the CCO of Evercare Group, Mr Irfan Khan, stated: “Our collaboration with MED-EL marks a significant milestone in our mission to transform healthcare and provide advanced hearing solutions, fostering sustainable improvements in hearing health across emerging markets.

“As we join forces with MED-EL, a global leader in implantable hearing systems, our partnership unites international expertise and a shared vision for a sound future.  By reversing health tourism and prioritizing affordability, we are making specialized healthcare accessible to all, while ensuring a sustainable impact through the training of local healthcare professionals.

“Together with MED-EL, we look forward to creating a lasting legacy that transcends borders and brings the gift of hearing to those in need.”

The new services will be introduced in 2024, with more announcements to follow.

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