Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Through the collective efforts of Ambulatory Healthcare Services and Tawam Hospital, physicians from Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) were recently able to restore baby Ishal AS’s hearing

Born on January 3 this year, Ishal underwent a routine screening which identified her condition. The parents were referred for further diagnostic audiology procedures for a conclusive diagnosis before looking at possible treatment options.

Thahira Kallumurikkal, Audiologist, Oud Al Touba Diagnostic & Screening Center , Ambulatory Healthcare Services, said: “Through our integrated and referral approach, we were able to give baby Ishal her hearing back. We pride ourselves on being a part of the SEHA network, utilizing world-class services throughout our facilities and developing a bespoke diagnostics and treatment plan for every patient that comes into our care. In baby Ishal’s case, we referred her to Tawam Hospital to perform the required audiology test before concluding the treatment required for hearing loss management."

The audiology team at Tawam Hospital identified hearing loss in both ears, and also advised hearing aid fitting as early as possible to avoid any delay in speech and language development. The family was submitted as a case to obtain free hearing aids, and the child is currently undergoing speech and language therapy for better communication.

Ishal’s father, x, said: “My sister, Ishal’s aunt, was born with bilateral sensory neural hearing loss. So, we were aware of the possible consequences if we did not fit the hearing aids for her as early as possible. Being deaf does not limit anyone's abilities, but we wanted our child to live a normal life. We are incredibly grateful to Audiologist, doctors at AHS and Tawam for restoring her ability to hear. A gift we all take for granted, Ishal heard my voice for the first time because of their efforts. I am forever indebted to them.”

Timely identification and management are crucial for any infant suspected of having or developing hearing loss. Through the support of both hospitals, baby Ishal has the opportunity to grow up with hearing and has been enabled to develop her speech and language skills normally.

Ambulatory Healthcare Services (AHS), a SEHA Health System Facility, is the gateway to healthcare services in Abu Dhabi. As one of SEHA’S key strategic objectives, AHS is focused on providing easy access to high-quality curative, specialized, and preventive services.

While Tawam Hospital is a JCI accredited, integrated and tertiary referral hospital encompassing major specialties and medical facilities such as ICU, ER, MRI, X-Ray, pathology, laboratory, pharmacy, specialty clinics, academic programs hospital with highly experienced and qualified medical consultants and characterized by an efficient appointment process and less waiting time. 

To find out more about SEHA’s services, book an appointment by calling 800 50 or visit SEHA.ae. You can also book an appointment through the SEHA Mobile app or WhatsApp us on 02-4102200.

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About SEHA:

The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC–SEHA – is an independent, public joint stock company created to develop the curative activities of the public healthcare system in Abu Dhabi. The company owns and operates all the public hospitals and clinics of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

SEHA is part of ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy.

SEHA is committed to continuous improvement of customer care to recognized international standards and providing the community with world-class healthcare. SEHA operates 14 hospitals with over 3,385 beds, 70 ambulatory care, family care and urgent care centers and 3 blood banks. Its facilities accommodate 117,162 inpatients annually and conduct 43,262 surgeries, as well as treating more than five million outpatients.

SEHA is one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in the Middle East with more than 14,000 doctors, nurses, ancillary care, and administrative personnel. Learn more at www.seha.ae