Breaking New Ground in Hearing Care: Zambia’s First Bone-Anchored Hearing Implant Surgery

Imagine a world where you can’t hear the laughter of loved ones, the melody of a favorite song, or the simple sounds of everyday life. Imagine being born without visible ears, or ears that cannot hear, isolated from the vibrant world of sound.

For many children in Zambia who are born with microtia, atresia, or other conditions that leave their ear canals closed, the gift of hearing often feels out of reach. Conventional hearing aids, which rely on sound traveling through the outer and middle ear, fail to meet their needs. These children face the physical challenge of hearing loss and the emotional and social barriers that come with it, including difficulties in communication and education.

But a groundbreaking solution has arrived in Zambia!

In a historic medical milestone, CURE Zambia performed the country’s first Bone-Anchored Hearing Implant (BAHI) surgery, offering new hope to children who were once unable to benefit from traditional hearing aids. This first-of-its-kind procedure was conducted by CURE Zambia’s Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeon, Dr. Haben Birhane, in collaboration with Dr. Rebecca Chiffer, a Neurotology surgeon from Thomas Jefferson University. Supported by Audiologists Dr. Sara Lively and Dr. Karla Belcastro, the team opened a new chapter in hearing care for Zambian children.

 

 

Ear and hearing problems disproportionately impact marginalized populations. Globally, over 1.5 billion people live with ear problems and hearing loss, nearly 80 percent in low- and middle-income countries.

Offering a Solution to Hearing Loss

BAHI is a surgery that offers a lifeline to children with conductive or mixed hearing loss, particularly those with conditions like microtia, where outer ear structures are malformed or absent. The procedure bypasses the traditional route of sound transmission through the ear canal and middle ear by anchoring a titanium implant directly into the skull behind the ear. This implant connects to an external sound processor, transmitting sound vibrations directly to the inner ear. The technology is life-changing for children who have struggled to hear the world around them. It provides clarity and connection, enabling them to participate fully in conversations, education, and life itself.

Building Partnerships to Transform Lives

This milestone was made possible through an intentional partnership between CURE Zambia and Thomas Jefferson University in the United States. Dr. Rebecca Chiffer, an experienced neurotology surgeon, joined forces with Audiologists Dr. Sara Lively and Dr. Karla Belcastro to bring their expertise to Zambia. Working alongside CURE’s ENT surgeon Dr. Haben Birhane, the team shared knowledge and skills, ensuring that the procedure succeeded and laying the groundwork for future advancements in ENT care.

 

 

Expanding Care for Zambia’s Children

For children with hearing challenges, the impact of this surgery is life-changing. Bone-anchored hearing implants are highly specialised and expensive, making them inaccessible for most low-income countries where the need is often greatest. Accessing these life-changing devices is a significant challenge, but thanks to the support of Dr. Chiffer from Thomas Jefferson University, CURE Zambia is now able to provide this advanced care, offering children a chance at a better quality of life.

“The bone-anchored hearing implant is a game-changer. What once took an hour now takes just ten minutes, thanks to advancements in technology that make it easier to place these implants in children. Farles, who waited over two years for this moment, is now part of a story of innovation and hope. This collaboration also gave me the opportunity to exchange notes with Dr. Chiffer, enriching our approach to this transformative procedure,” said Dr. Birhane. “We are deeply grateful to God for enabling us to provide this life-changing care.”

 

 

At just 11 years old, Farles has already overcome incredible odds as the first beneficiary of BAHI surgery at CURE Zambia. Born with microtia—a congenital condition where her external ear was underdeveloped —Farles faced significant challenges. Hearing from a distance was difficult, leaving her feeling isolated at school and in everyday life.

Yet through it all, Farles found hope in her family’s love. They provided comfort and strength, even as finding the medical help she needed seemed impossible. That dream started to take shape when her mother stumbled upon a Facebook video about CURE Zambia. With renewed hope, she reached out to the hospital.

Farles was warmly welcomed, assessed, and placed on a treatment plan that ultimately led to her groundbreaking surgery. The wait for the right moment was long, but the call confirming a date for her surgery brought joy to the family. Finally, Farles underwent life-changing surgery, marking the start of a brighter, more connected future.

“I am happy that I can hear clearer than I did before. I now hear like a person is talking to me from very close. Before, it felt as if the person talking was quite far, even though they were just arm’s length away,” Farles told us with a big bright smile on her face.

Watch the video below to see Farles’s priceless reaction when the implant was placed, and she experienced clear hearing for the first time.

 

 

Farles’s story is evidence of the impact that advanced specialised care can have on a child’s life. She is just one of many children who will benefit from this procedure, which offers the ability to hear and pursue life with confidence.

At CURE Zambia, children and their families receive life-changing medical and spiritual care completely free of charge, made possible by the incredible generosity of CURE’s partners and donors. Would you join us in helping make transformations like this possible for other kids who need surgical intervention, just like Farles?

You can make a gift to share the love of Christ and help provide life-changing surgical care to children in desperate need. Your gift goes even further as ENT surgeries are paid for in part by The Christian Blind Mission (CBM). Your support can transform their lives and give them a brighter, healthier future.