Where is cochlear implantation in Singapore done?
There are two main hospitals in Singapore that carry out the cochlear implantation procedure – Singapore General Hospital and National University Hospital.
Who carries out the cochlear implantation procedures in Singapore?
For Singapore General Hospital, the guru is A/Prof Low Wong Kein. For National University Hospital, the resident expert is Dr. Lynne Lim.
How long is a cochlear implantation procedure?
It lasts about 2-3 hours.
How much is the procedure?
It can cost between SGD$35,000 to SGD$42,000 for a single implant. However, for Singaporeans, there is a government subsidy of up to 80% for the procedure for 35 – 45 people annually. Please make an appointment with the hospital to find out how you can apply for the subsidy.
What are the risks of the procedure?
It has been practised so many times that it can virtually be treated as an outpatient procedure. There are still postoperative risks such as a possible risk of infection. Nevertheless, surgeons in Singapore are extremely skilled, and the only possible risk to worry about is a reported higher risk of infection for implantees for certain diseases ie. meningitis – which can be circumvented through proper vaccination and prophylaxis.
