ISTANBUL (AA) – Hearing, Balance and Speech Center, which has been operating within Lokman Hekim University for about two years, continues to serve as the structure that brings these three fields together under one roof in Turkey. Lokman Hekim Akay Hospital Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialist and Lokman Hekim University Hearing, Balance and Language Speech Center Coordinator Prof., whose opinions were included in the statement made by the hospital.
Dr. Hatice Seyra Erbek stated that the center, which has been in service for about two years, is also used for educational purposes. Erbek said, “Our students from Lokman Hekim University Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Audiology and Speech Language Departments have the opportunity to observe patients one-on-one. Our service staff consists entirely of academics.” he said. Referring to the technical infrastructure of the center, Erbek stated that the devices used have up-to-date technology and that comprehensive evaluations can be made.
Erbek stated that the center provides services for all individuals, from newborns to older age groups, and said, “Diseases that cause hearing loss are evaluated with comprehensive tests. We can perform a comprehensive examination not only of hearing but also of balance disorders. “We have the opportunity to evaluate the brain stem, cerebellum and balance organs separately.” made his evaluations. Giving information about the “vestibular” rehabilitation applications used in the treatment of vertigo, Erbek stated that patients can be monitored and the treatment process can be recorded with virtual reality-supported systems.
– “It is very important to be diagnosed, especially before the age of 4.” Informing that the center located at Lokman Hekim University is the first structure in Turkey to bring together the hearing, balance and language-speech fields under the same roof, Erbek said, “We can diagnose all diseases that affect hearing from the age of zero to the older age group.” he said. Erbek emphasized that newborn hearing screening is of great importance and explained that hearing loss can be seen in 1 to 4 cases in every 1000 births in Turkey.
Erbek said, “It is very important to be diagnosed, especially before the age of 4. “When intervention is made during this period, there is no loss in children’s language development and academic skills.” made his assessment. Stating that the center is one of the reference centers where newborns referred by the Ministry of Health are evaluated, Erbek noted that the newborn hearing screening service is offered free of charge.
Stating that services are also provided in the field of language and speech, Prof. Dr. Erbek stated that especially patients with swallowing disorders are evaluated with a multidisciplinary approach. Erbek said, “The important thing here is to identify the correct cause and produce the appropriate solution for the patient. If the patient can return to normal nutrition, this is an important measure of success for us.” made his assessment.
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