Northern Ireland pensioner hears on left side for first time using new prosthetic ear

Stephen Gilbert, a 74-year-old man from Aghalee, has been fitted with a newly designed prosthetic ear that allows him to hear on his left side for the first time, the BBC reported. Gilbert was born with unilateral microtia, a rare condition where the external ear is underdeveloped or missing on one side. [1]

The treatment was provided by the oral and maxillofacial surgery team at Ulster Hospital, according to the BBC. The facility hosts the only service of its kind in Northern Ireland, creating bespoke prostheses for patients affected by birth defects, traumatic injuries, and cancer treatment. [1]

The prosthetic device was specially constructed to accommodate a hearing aid, the BBC reported. Gilbert stated that being able to hear people speaking on his left side was something he could never do previously. [1]