A hybrid cochlear implant combines cochlear implant technology for high frequencies with acoustic amplification to preserve low-frequency hearing in partial deafness. This type of hybrid device offers a combined solution for acoustic and electric hearing, integrating both technologies to restore a broader range of hearing. For patients who hear low tones, such as vowels, but miss high-pitched consonants, the hybrid cochlear implant offers a bridge between traditional aids and full implants.
The Cochlear Nucleus® Hybrid™ Implant System preserves natural low-frequency perception while electrically stimulating the high frequencies. The hybrid cochlear implant has a shorter electrode than traditional cochlear implants, which helps preserve residual low-frequency hearing. Dr Barrie Tan sees many such cases that benefit from these new advances at Barrie Tan ENT Head & Neck Surgery at Gleneagles Hospital.
Hybrid cochlear implant candidacy is suitable for those with ski-slope hearing loss, which involves good residual low-frequency hearing and severe-to-profound high-frequency hearing loss. The hybrid cochlear implant was developed to treat patients with severe-profound hearing loss limited to high frequencies, and is particularly beneficial for the hearing-impaired population, including those with age-related hearing loss and moderate hearing loss.
Dr Barrie Tan was formerly the Director of the Centre for Hearing and Ear Implants at Singapore General Hospital, the largest cochlear implant unit in Singapore.
A Cochlear Nucleus Hybrid Implant System amplifies low frequencies naturally via your existing acoustic pathway, while boosting high frequencies electronically through your cochlea. These devices actually use your normal hearing for low frequencies, then provide extra help for the high frequencies that are being lost. In practice, sound enters the external processor and then splits into two distinct pathways: low frequencies are sent to an acoustic receiver, while high frequencies are transmitted through the electrodes.
The acoustic and electric signals work together to help your brain process more sound by combining your natural hearing with a little bit of that electric boost to give you excellent sound quality and even better speech perception. Even in the most demanding listening environments, this kind of hearing is really important.
The primary objective is to confirm that the ear’s internal structures are anatomically suitable for the device and that there are no obstacles to implantation. This often requires advanced imaging, such as high-resolution CT or MRI. Concurrently, we review your overall health status to identify any underlying medical conditions that may affect the success of the surgery or the subsequent rehabilitation.
Importantly, a multidisciplinary specialist group, typically comprising an ENT surgeon, an audiologist, and a speech pathologist, collaborate to review all assessment results against your individual communication goals. We carefully consider several critical factors, including your predicted hearing performance across various acoustic environments, your history of success or limitations with past hearing aids, and your commitment to post-activation rehabilitation.
This holistic approach ensures that we match the right technology to the right person for optimal long-term benefit.
Hybrid cochlear implant surgery entails placing the internal receiver and electrode array under general anaesthesia in approximately two hours. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis.
Dr Barrie Tan is a skilled cochlear implant surgeon in Singapore who has successfully performed hundreds of cochlear implantation procedures and is devoted to restoring hearing for his patients.
Yes, hybrid cochlear implant surgery is considered safe for children when performed by experienced cochlear implant surgeons like Dr Tan.
However, the suitability criteria are specific: the procedure primarily focuses on children aged 6 years or older with stable low-frequency hearing. When performing this surgery on developing ears, meticulous examination is crucial to prevent potential cochlear damage.
Dr Tan expertly evaluates the child’s speech development and discusses the family’s overall communication goals before recommending surgery. Clinical data indicate that young patients often regain substantial hearing benefits without losing their natural residual low-frequency hearing. This significantly improves their quality of life and makes social interactions considerably easier.
Finding a specialist who understands your hearing journey matters. Our ENT specialist at Barrie Tan ENT pays close attention to your needs and develops a plan accordingly. If you’re concerned about the cost of hybrid cochlear implants, we can discuss insurance options and your hearing and communication goals with you.
Ready to explore hybrid cochlear implants? Contact Barrie Tan at ENT Head & Neck Surgery for a life-changing consultation.
Cochlear implant costs in Singapore are usually manageable, as the surgical procedure is on the Ministry of Health’s Table of Surgical Procedures. This means you can typically use MediSave, MediShield Life, and most Integrated Shield Plans to cover the cost of cochlear implant surgery. The cochlear implant cost in Singapore, along with cochlear implant subsidy options, can help make it more affordable. However, the exact amount depends on your individual plan’s limits.
In Singapore, the cost of a cochlear implant can range roughly $45,000 to $80,000 or more, covering the internal device, rest, surgery, and rehabilitation.
At Barrie Tan ENT, we’re here to help you navigate all that. We assist with pre-authorisation, provide an estimate of cochlear implant surgery cost, and walk you through using your MediSave and insurance. Before you decide to go ahead with cochlear implant surgery, we make sure you have a clear, complete picture of the likely financial commitment, what’s covered, and all your payment options so that you can plan with confidence.
Senior Consultant ENT Specialist
MBBS (Singapore), MMed (ENT) (Singapore)
MRCS (Edinburgh, UK), FAMS (Otolaryngology)
Dr Barrie Tan is a dedicated ENT specialist with over 20 years of experience and a keen focus on hearing loss and cochlear implants, among others. Prior to setting up his own practice, Dr Tan was the Head of the ENT Department at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) – the largest ENT department in Singapore – as well as the Director of the Centre for Hearing and Ear Implants at SGH.
Dr Tan was a President’s Scholar and completed his subspeciality Fellowship in Otology, Hearing Implant, Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery at the Ear Science Institute in Australia. Today, Dr Tan remains actively involved in the ENT fraternity, holding several leadership positions and being engaged in the nurturing of the next generation of ENT surgeons. He has organized numerous ENT conferences and continues to devote his time towards meaningful volunteer work and medical missions.
