(From left) Hearlife Therapy Centre head audiologist Alexander Stephen, Norlida, Nurzahara, audiologist Valencia Bong and Nurzahara’s aunt Halimah Robert at the cochlear implant switch-on session in Kuching.
THE parents of Nurzahara Safiyya Saiful had envisioned a bright future for their only child.
However, as Nurzahara began learning to speak, her verbal communication skills lagged behind her peers.
Initially, her parents attributed the delay to a slower learning process, unaware of the underlying medical condition until she turned five.
Earlier this year, after a routine hearing test, Nurzahara was diagnosed with bilateral severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss.
“We were heartbroken and found it difficult to accept,” said her mother Norlida Robert.
As a temporary solution, Nurzahara was fitted with hearing aids.
Yet, after three months she showed no sign of improvement.
Her parents sought further consultation at Hospital Umum Sarawak.
Its Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department determined that the only way forward would be cochlear implants in both ears.
“If surgery is delayed, the brain’s capacity to develop hearing and speech diminishes significantly.
“Cochlear implants are most effective when it is performed before the age of four,” said ENT surgeon Dr Tang Ing Ping.
Her parents were faced with another overwhelming challenge – funding the surgery.
Due to the late detection of her hearing loss, the corrective surgery could cost more than RM80,000 per ear or RM160,000 for both ears.
Borneo Medical Centre offered a reduction at RM125,000 for both ears, including the implants, surgery, rehabilitation and audiological services.
However, this was still beyond the reach of her father, Saiful Mataim, who only earns RM700 a month.
Thankfully, with financial assistance via Star Foundation’s Medical Fund Programme, Nurzahara was able to undergo the life-changing surgery on Aug 19.
“The bilateral cochlear implant surgery went well and there were no complications.
“Nurzahara is currently in the recovery stage. Once her surgical wounds are completely healed, we will begin the critical phase of rehabilitation,” said Dr Tang.
He added that Nurzahara would need audiologist sessions once or twice a month at the beginning and less often as her condition stabilised, but speech therapy would be required twice a month for life.
“I would like to thank Star Foundation for the swift response in helping Nurzahara get cochlear implants.
“The ability to hear and speak again will bring positive change to Nurzahara and this will be the greatest gift to her parents,” he added.
Norlida said, “From the bottom of our hearts, we are deeply thankful and grateful to Star Foundation.
“It has given my daughter the opportunity to lead a normal life.”
The Medical Fund Programme, established in 2015, focuses on helping underprivileged individuals suffering from chronic illnesses by sponsoring one-off medical treatment and care.
Star Foundation is the charitable arm of Star Media Group and supports impactful initiatives to help a diverse group of beneficiaries.
For more information, visit https://www.starmediagroup.my/star-foundation/
