IPOH, Jan 18 — Eric Leong, three, could hear for the first time today due to a cochlear implant from KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital.

At the age of two and a half, Eric was diagnosed with hearing loss. He was unable to hear the rumble of thunder, the blast of fireworks or even when his name was called by his mother.

KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital became Perak’s first private hospital to carry out a successful cochlear implant, after they performed the procedure on Leong on Dec 19.

At a special event held today, Leong — who turns four this year — heard his first sounds when the cochlear implants were turned on.

He did not exhibit an emotional response, but was seen turning sharply when he heard some of the new sounds detected by his new implant.

His mother Chan Kah Lai, 38, said she was overjoyed to see a new beginning for her young son.

"His 10-year-old sister Jennie also suffers from hearing loss. She was also given cochlear implants at other medical facilities and has shown a lot of improvement since then,” she told reporters.

"I’m so grateful and happy because I just want the best for my boy. With this new implant, I hope he can have a normal life like so many other children.”

A cochlear implant is a device that is surgically implanted into a patient’s cochlea so they can hear again.

For children born with hearing loss, it is vital to detect the condition early — as early intervention can assist with language development and gaining normal speech.

Before this, private cochlear implants were only available in the Klang Valley and Penang.

KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital medical director Dr Luis Chen said the total package cost between RM110,000 and RM 160,000 depending on the model used.

"Hopefully, this will be the start of comprehensive otologic implant services for hearing disorders. This will benefit the people of Perak in cost savings and time,” he added.