An 18-month-old Port Elizabeth toddler experienced the wonder of sound for the first time after a pro bono cochlear implant procedure.

Grayson Marais underwent life-changing surgery thanks to the goodwill of a team of specialists, Netcare Greenacres and Port Elizabeth Provincial hospitals, as well as the Netcare Foundation. 

According to Parent24, the elite team joined hands and the procedure was undertaken by ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist Dr Iain Butler with the assistance of anaesthetist Dr Chris Ngaka. 

The brave little boy was born with a profound hearing impairment, and an ordinary hearing aid would not have been a solution for his condition.

Following the successful surgery, his cochlear device was turned on for the first time at the Port Elizabeth Provincial Hospital on 19 November, and doctors are hopeful that with the necessary speech and listening therapies, he will go on to hear and be able to speak normally.

“My colleagues and I were thrilled to have been able to assist this delightful little boy who always has a big smile on his face”

Dr Iain Butler

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