ME’s largest Otolaryngology meet in Dubai

Dubai / WAM

The 13th Annual Middle East Update in Otolaryngology Conference and Exhibition, ME-OTO, organised by Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions, is set to open its doors from the May 24-25 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre alongside the first ever World Congress on Cochlear Implants in Emerging Countries.
With an expanding spectrum of key Ear, Neck and Throat, ENT, topics and industry trends all set to feature on this year’s conference agenda, the events will attract the largest
gathering of Otolaryngologists in the Middle East.
The Conference and Exhibition will host more than 70 leading companies in the field of ENT and Otolaryngology, showcasing the latest healthcare technology and innovations from across the world. The three-day conferences will host over 200 speakers addressing more than 2,000 attendees on the latest developments in otology, audiology, rhinology, laryngology, head and neck surgery, skull base surgery, sleep medicine and speech therapy.
The first World Congress on Cochlear Implants in Emerging Countries will focus on the challenges and opportunities for improved access to cochlear implants in a bid to improve the quality of life for those suffering with hearing difficulties and other ENT related issues across the region.
A cochlear implant is an electronic medical device that does the work of damaged parts of the inner ear (cochlea) to provide sound signals to the brain. Each year, an estimated 3,000 cochlear implant procedures are performed in the MENA region. Globally, there are 360 million people with disabling hearing loss, which continues to rise every year. Regionally, there is a high prevalence of hearing disabilities, with an estimated 1 in 25 people in the MENA
region affected.
In an effort to combat the high prevalence and prevent undetected hearing problems, which can lead to speech development problems, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention launched a hearing disorder early screening programme for new born babies in 2014. Babies diagnosed with a hearing disability are then referred to an ENT specialist who advises on the correct treatment such as a cochlear implant.
Speaking on the benefits of advancing technologies for patients with hearing impairments, Dr. Muuaz Tarabichi, ENT surgeon and Conference Co-Chairman said, “The Cochlear Implant is a life changing technology, which requires the existence of an
enabling environment, teamwork and a sophisticated healthcare system
in place to ensure the best results
for patients with hearing impairments,” he said.
“This year’s congress comes in line with the UAE’s efforts to enable a highly advanced healthcare platform through education on advancing treatments and diagnosis tools, allowing for better care of children and adults with hearing impairments,” Dr. Tarabichi said.
Along with the main conference topics, the 2016 conference will have a special focus on the latest in Paediatric Otolaryngology. “Over 50 percent of the ENT patient population are actually children who are more likely to get ear, nose and throat infections than adults. As such, continuous progress on comprehensive and
personalized care is required,” Dr. Tarabichi added.