HALIFAX – A P.E.I. mother of three is finally able to hear clearly thanks to the efforts of a surgical team in Halifax.
Shannon Micallef has become the first patient in North America to receive a partially implanted hearing system, called a Bonebridge, in both ears.
Micallef had been struggling with conventional hearing aids since she was 18 months old, experiencing a number of ear infections and complications in both her ear canals.
The new device bypasses the ear canals completely — it’s implanted under the skin and into the bone behind her ear. Only the audio processor remains outside, attached by a small magnet.
Morris warns that while the device is a ” wonderful niche product,” it’s not a solution for everybody. He says the device is only an option for those who can’t wear conventional hearing aids.
So far, six people from the Maritimes have had similar implants installed.
“As a surgeon, the number one thing is ‘do no harm,’ and having done no harm, it’s nice to see that you’re doing some good,” said Morris.
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