Young Girl in Fergus Becomes First in North America to Get Nexa Device

A ten-year-old girl from Fergus, Ontario, has made history by becoming the first individual in North America to receive a revolutionary hearing device known as Nexa. Anabia Bilal, who has faced significant hearing challenges since birth, underwent the pioneering procedure at Toronto’s SickKids Hospital in August 2023.

Bilal was born with hearing loss and has relied on hearing aids for most of her life. Unfortunately, her hearing began to deteriorate in 2024, leaving her in a world of silence. “It was very bad and very quiet,” Bilal recalled, describing the challenges she faced. Following her condition’s decline, she was introduced to an innovative solution by Dr. Sharon Cushing, the director of the cochlear implant program at SickKids.

Dr. Cushing recognized Bilal as an ideal candidate for the Nexa device, which was developed by an Australian company and received approval from Health Canada in 2022. “Unlike many of the babies we implant, she’s able to tell you what it’s like,” Dr. Cushing explained. The surgery involved implanting a magnet behind Bilal’s ear, allowing her to experience sound in a new and enhanced way.

The Nexa device is notable for its ability to receive updates remotely, akin to smartphone technology. This advancement means that as new algorithms are developed to improve hearing, they can be uploaded to the device, enhancing its functionality. “If somebody dreams up some incredible algorithm for helping the hearing be better, you are going to be able to take advantage of it because we can now put that on the chip,” Dr. Cushing stated.

After the surgery, Bilal experienced a period of silence as she healed. Once she was ready, she began to hear familiar sounds again, such as the ticking of a clock and the whir of air conditioning. Initially, these sounds felt robotic to her, but over six months, her brain adjusted to the new auditory input. “The clock ticking, the light switches, the wind, the AC turning on,” she shared, highlighting the joy of re-engaging with everyday sounds.

As part of her recovery, Bilal continues to visit SickKids for regular tests and adjustments. The success of her surgery has broader implications, paving the way for future patients to receive the Nexa cochlear implant. Dr. Cushing noted that they have performed a total of 57 surgeries involving this new technology, demonstrating its growing acceptance in medical practice.

With the support of a speech therapist, Bilal is gaining confidence in her communication skills. She now actively participates in conversations and has even learned to express when sounds become overwhelming. “If my mom is talking loud I can hear it,” she said, smiling at her mother. “And my mom talks very loud when she’s calling somebody.”

Bilal’s journey not only represents a personal triumph but also offers hope to others facing similar challenges. The introduction of the Nexa device marks a significant milestone in the field of audiology, opening doors to advancements that can transform lives. As she embraces her newfound ability to hear, Anabia Bilal stands as a testament to resilience and innovation in medical technology.