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The most advanced and leading audiology center of its kind in the United Arab Emirates.
The Audiology Center at MMC Sheikh Manaa Al Maktoum Polyclinic and Hospital is one of the oldest and largest centers in Dubai in the field of audiology. It provides a wide range of services related to hearing loss, cochlear implantation, vertigo, imbalance, vertigo, tinnitus, diagnosis and treatment of speech and language disorders, speech-language therapy, and the manufacturing of medical hearing aids.
The center offers a team of doctors, specialists, and technicians in the fields of audiology and speech, hearing aids, and issues related to hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, imbalance, dizziness, and cochlear implantation. They provide necessary treatment using the latest global devices and technologies with international quality to ensure comfort and comprehensive services. The center also has an audiology laboratory for the production of in-ear medical hearing aids, maintenance of hearing aids, and the creation of ear molds and noise-blocking plugs using 3D technology. Additionally, the center sells all types of medical hearing aids and provides technical and medical services to patients. The center has been accredited by the hearing aid agency Earnet, a subsidiary of Ear-teknik, a leading global company in the field of hearing aids. Ear-teknik is one of the seven major companies worldwide producing hearing aids, with over fifty years of experience.
The center offers several services distributed across the following departments:
1. Diagnosis and treatment of hearing disorders, including audiometry (pure-tone hearing tests).
2. Diagnosis and audiometric tests for newborns.
3. Diagnosis, tests, and treatment of tinnitus problems.
4. Installation of hearing aids suitable for hearing impairment and cochlear implant tests.
5. Diagnosis, tests, and treatment of balance and dizziness issues.
6. Evaluation and treatment of speech and language disorders, autism, and behavior modification.
7. Auditory-linguistic specialized rehabilitation program.
This department conducts various tests for all age groups, including:
1. Audiometry – Pure-Tone Hearing Tests: Determines whether hearing loss is conductive, sensorineural, or a mix of both.
2. Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE): Examines the function of outer hair cells in the cochlea.
3. Tympanometry: Reflects the condition of the eardrum and the middle ear.
4. Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR, BSER, or BER): Examines the auditory nerve up to the brainstem.
5. Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA): Measures hearing through visual reinforcement for children.
6. Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA): An entertaining process for children to assess hearing ability.
7. Diagnosis and treatment of tinnitus problems.
These tests are crucial for diagnosing and treating various auditory issues, ensuring the center provides comprehensive and specialized services to its patients.
8. Diagnosis, Testing, and Treatment of Tinnitus
– Tinnitus Examination Department
As tinnitus is a common and widespread condition, the center provides specialized examinations for tinnitus in two stages. Firstly, a plan is developed to measure hearing strength at all basic and secondary frequencies, especially if tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss. Then, additional tests are conducted to determine the frequency and intensity of tinnitus. The examinations also include branching out to identify its causes and necessary solutions. The center offers treatment using laser therapy, specifically with the TinniTool device. This device, utilizing Swiss Soft Laser technology, aims to improve balance and alleviate tinnitus.
– The TinniTool Device:
Utilizing Swiss Soft Laser technology, this device is the world’s first in treating tinnitus and inner ear disorders, addressing conditions such as acute and chronic ear ringing, partial deafness due to tinnitus, Meniere’s disease (dizziness), acute hearing loss, and cochlear distortion. It also addresses issues related to inflammation of the middle ear and circulatory problems in the inner ear.
9. Installation of Hearing Aids Suitable for Hearing Impairment and Cochlear Implant Tests
– Hearing Aids Installation Department:
After conducting necessary examinations and identifying hearing loss, the center proceeds to install medical hearing aids. The center provides hearing aids from Earnet, one of the world’s largest hearing aid companies. The center offers highly advanced types of hearing aids, including in-the-ear and nearly invisible nano devices, as well as behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-canal (RIC) devices. These hearing aids cater to all types of hearing impairments and include special types designed to address tinnitus alongside hearing loss. The center’s hearing aids are equipped with Tinnitus Balance Noise Generator to aid in managing tinnitus. The department provides hearing aids for all age groups at prices suitable for various needs, emphasizing international quality and efficiency. The devices use artificial intelligence to analyze and adjust to different listening environments, providing clear and comfortable sound.
10. Diagnosis, Testing, and Treatment of Balance and Dizziness
– Balance Assessment Department:
This department provides specialized examinations for dizziness caused by inner ear issues. The center conducts various tests with a highly qualified team to assess and treat patients with dizziness. The follow-up involves evaluating the effectiveness of treatment and addressing other issues, such as language and speech problems.
This department offers special examinations for cochlear implantation and adjusts cochlear implant devices of various types. The devices are characterized by high-quality technology, waterproof features, and meticulous preparation for individuals with severe and profound hearing loss. Post-surgery follow-up includes assessment and evaluation to enhance the benefits of hearing in children and address language and speech issues. The department also provides spare parts and handles necessary maintenance for malfunctions resulting from misuse or other causes.
1. Video Head Impulse Test (VHIT) Examination:
The muscles of the eyes are connected to the balance system in the inner ear. The signals from the balance system coordinate eye movements to ensure stability and clarity of vision during head movements. VHIT evaluates eye movement in relation to head movement in specific directions, making it one of the fundamental tests for assessing the balance system.
2. Video Nystagmography (VNG) Examination:
The inner ear’s balance system coordinates eye movements to maintain stability and clear vision during head movement by continuously sending nerve signals to the eye muscles through the cerebellum and brainstem. During the VNG examination, the patient performs various head and eye movements as instructed by the specialist. The specialist records the patient’s eye movement using a dedicated camera during the examination, and the results are analyzed to assess the inner ear’s balance functions and the central nervous system’s functions responsible for balance.
3. Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) Examination:
Certain muscles, such as neck and eye muscles, are connected to the inner ear’s balance system, known as the vestibule. VEMP evaluates the vestibular system’s function in the inner ear and its associated nerves by stimulating the ear with specific sounds and recording the electrical signals generated by the neck muscles.
4. Caloric Reflex Test:
The caloric reflex test evaluates the function of the lateral semicircular canal in normal conditions. The caloric reflex, a vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), causes a reflexive deviation of the eyes and counteracts the head’s rotational direction to maintain stability on a moving object. The caloric reflex test is an integral part of Electronystagmography (ENG) and assesses brainstem responses during the evaluation of the patient’s brainstem’s integrity.
5. Computerized Dynamic Posturography:
Computerized Dynamic Posturography is a virtual reality system used to diagnose balance problems. It assesses three main systems involved in balance: eyes, inner ear, and body. Through a series of tests, these systems are evaluated and compared to age and gender-specific averages. If any of these systems show weakness, physical therapy is provided to restore their normal function.
6. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) Examination:
BPPV, a common disorder causing brief episodes of vertigo, is triggered by changes in head position affecting the posterior semicircular canal in the inner ear. BPPV is more prevalent in older adults and can impact balance, making individuals more susceptible to falls. The Epley maneuver, a series of specific movements, is used for treatment.
7. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT):
VRT addresses problems with the vestibular system responsible for coordinating balance. Exercises help control dizziness and balance problems over time, offering relief for those suffering from conditions such as Meniere’s disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis, vestibular migraine, brain injuries, or a stroke.
8. Evaluation of Postural Stability Measures:
This test provides information about the integration of multiple balance components. Dynamic postural imaging and sensory organization tests measure and provide information about the integration of multiple balance components. Dynamic postural imaging has become an essential tool in understanding sustained balance in clinical environments.
9. Treatment for Inner Ear Particle Falls:
Patients with inner ear particle falls are given specific exercises to perform both at the center and home. The exercises are tailored by specialists to help return the particles to their proper place within the balance system.
8. Evaluation of Postural Stability Measures:
This test provides information about the integration of multiple balance components. Dynamic postural imaging and sensory organization tests measure and provide information about the integration of multiple balance components. Dynamic postural imaging has become an essential tool in understanding sustained balance in clinical environments.
9. Treatment for Inner Ear Particle Falls:
Patients with inner ear particle falls are given specific exercises to perform both at the center and home. The exercises are tailored by specialists to help return the particles to their proper place within the balance system.
10. VOR (Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex) Test:
The VOR test assesses the function of the vestibular (balance) section of the inner ear. The vestibular system and the eyes work together to maintain balance and clear vision during head movement. The VOR is responsible for coordinating eye movements to counteract head rotation.
11. Electrocochleography (ECOG) Test:
ECoG is an objective evaluation used to diagnose Meniere’s disease and other disorders. It involves recording the electrical activity in the cochlea in response to auditory stimulation, providing information about the inner ear.
12. Auditory and Vestibular Central Dysfunction:
Central auditory and vestibular dysfunction are key features of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive behaviors, social difficulties, and communication challenges. Individuals with ASD often exhibit a certain degree of auditory and vestibular dysfunction, ranging from hearing impairment to hypersensitivity. These dysfunctions result in abnormal auditory reflexes and heightened auditory potentials in the brainstem. Vestibular dysfunction in ASD includes postural instability, balance issues, and visual impairment. Untreated vestibular dysfunction in children with ASD can lead to developmental delays in milestones such as sitting and walking, as well as later-onset motor coordination difficulties.
The department addresses cases of speech and language disorders, including:
1. Language Disorders:
Language disorders are one of the most common problems among children. A gap is observed between chronological age and linguistic age in children. This means that a child’s language abilities are lower than expected for peers of the same age. Various factors contribute to this, including communication disorders such as autism, other diseases like hearing impairment, and medical conditions affecting linguistic development. Environmental factors, primarily related to early childhood education and exposure to language, also play a significant role.
2. Speech Disorders:
Speech disorders come in several forms, such as:
2.1 Fluency Disorders:
– Stuttering: Involves involuntary interruptions in speech, such as pauses, elongation of sounds, or repeated sounds, syllables, words, or even phrases. This affects speech clarity and, in advanced cases, may be accompanied by involuntary body movements like head or eye blinking.
2.2 Articulation Disorders:
– Involves difficulties in producing specific speech sounds due to organic factors like cleft palate, issues with tooth alignment, or tongue ties. In some cases, it results from the child not grasping how to produce a particular sound.
2.3 Phonological Disorders:
– These disorders affect the phonological system of the child’s language. Normally, children exhibit certain phonological processes up to a specific age, but in some cases, these processes persist and affect speech clarity. Examples include reversing sounds or being unable to distinguish between them.
3. Auditory Rehabilitation:
– After fitting hearing aids (medical hearing devices or cochlear implants), children need to reacquaint themselves with linguistic sounds. They must compensate for any language delay caused by hearing impairment. To maximize the benefits of hearing aids, their use should be coupled with language evaluation sessions, allowing full auditory discrimination through the hearing devices and acquiring age-appropriate language skills.
4. Voice Disorders:
– Various conditions affect the quality and clarity of human voice. These conditions can be treated by a speech specialist, including:
4.1 Vocal Nodules:
– Result from improper vocal usage and significant strain on the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness and unclear speech.
4.2 Vocal Folds Polyps:
– Painful blood-filled swellings caused by misuse of the voice, either suddenly or gradually. Treatment involves surgical removal, followed by vocal exercises to restore natural speech and prevent the recurrence of these blood-filled swellings.
3. Hypernasality:
– Results from excessive nasal resonance due to an extra opening in the palate, often caused by congenital deformities or weakness in the muscle separating the mouth and nose. Speech therapists work to reduce nasal speech and strengthen the nasopharyngeal muscles.
4. Paralysis or Weakness of Vocal Cords:
– Affects one or both vocal cords, resulting in a hoarse voice with low quality. Speech therapists use various exercises to stimulate and strengthen the vocal cords, improving voice quality.
5. Juvenile Voice Disorder:
– Primarily affecting men (puberphonia) or women (juvenile voice), it is treatable by speech therapy to restore the natural voice.
The Audiology Laboratory is one of the most advanced scientific laboratories in the center. Equipped with highly sophisticated 3D and UV systems, the lab specializes in auditory laboratory sciences. It manufactures in-ear hearing aids, especially nano hearing aids, licensed by the EARNET company. The lab also produces all types of ear molds for fitting behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, providing spare parts and maintenance for all types of hearing aids and wireless accessories, as well as earplugs for sound and swimming. The lab oversees technical, medical, and technical support for users of hearing aids, ensuring optimal auditory performance.