Miracle recovery at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital

The amazing expertise of Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital staff has led to a patient going from being critically unwell and deaf from a severe middle ear infection to now being able to hear in both ears with the help of cochlear implants.

After developing meningitis and encephalitis (swelling in the brain) from a middle ear infection, Shellie became critically unwell and was admitted into our intensive care unit.

She was unable to hear out of both ears and could only communicate via a tablet.

After an infection in the inner ear, the inner ear rapidly develops scar tissue and bony growth and closes off the channels in the cochlea within weeks.

The clinical team recommended to implant cochlear implants in both ears as soon as possible, even though the chance of success was minimal due to inflammation and scarring - but they remained hopeful.

Shellie said she was keen to take this chance because she could hear absolutely nothing, and hearing aids would not help.

Head of Audiology, Adj A/Professor Dayse Tavora-Vieira said Shellie was extremely lucky and when two cochlear implants were switched on two weeks later, and to everyone's utter surprise, she could hear normal words and speech immediately.

"No one had dry eyes, and this was an extremely emotional moment for all, especially Shellie,” said A/Prof Tavora-Vieira.

Shellie said she still has a long road ahead but is so grateful to the Charlies’ staff who saved her life, and says it’s incredible to hear her granddaughters cry, laugh and speak their first words.

Well done team!