King Saud University’s KAESC Succeeds in Cochlear Implant with Local Anesthesia

The King Abdullah Specialist Ear Center (KAESC) at the King Saud University Medical City. (KAESC)
The King Abdullah Specialist Ear Center (KAESC) at the King Saud University Medical City. (KAESC)
TT
20

King Saud University’s KAESC Succeeds in Cochlear Implant with Local Anesthesia

The King Abdullah Specialist Ear Center (KAESC) at the King Saud University Medical City. (KAESC)
The King Abdullah Specialist Ear Center (KAESC) at the King Saud University Medical City. (KAESC)

A medical team at the King Abdullah Specialist Ear Center (KAESC) at the King Saud University Medical City has successfully performed for the first time in the region an electronic cochlear implant with local anaesthesia using the Cochlear Nucleus SmartNav device.

The procedure was held under the supervision of Nose, Ear and Throat Consultant Dr. Asma Al-Ahmadi.

Dr. Al-Ahmadi noted that the procedure was conducted differently so that the patient would get the best results from the new device. She explained that measurements with the SmartAv device are done during the insertion of poles inside the cochlear, unlike previous devices that collect results after the insertion of the electronic implant.

She added that the device has made a quality leap in new and distinguished features through the possibility of measuring the speed of inserting poles to maintain the hearing capabilities of patients while identifying the correct place inside the cochlear, which reduces the need to use X-ray during the procedure.

She noted that the procedure was performed with local anaesthesia, where the nerve stimulation property was closed before the measurements were collected to protect the patient from the high sounds.

The nerve stimulation property is used if the procedure is carried out under full anaesthesia, Dr. Al-Ahmadi said, stressing that the device will give surgeons the opportunity to increase the accuracy of the results of cochlear implants and maintain the hearing capabilities of patients.



Many US Ice Cream Producers to Phase Out Artificial Food Dyes by 2028

Volunteers scoop ice cream before a press conference on the steps of the United States Department of Agriculture on July 14, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Getty Images/AFP)
Volunteers scoop ice cream before a press conference on the steps of the United States Department of Agriculture on July 14, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Getty Images/AFP)
TT
20

Many US Ice Cream Producers to Phase Out Artificial Food Dyes by 2028

Volunteers scoop ice cream before a press conference on the steps of the United States Department of Agriculture on July 14, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Getty Images/AFP)
Volunteers scoop ice cream before a press conference on the steps of the United States Department of Agriculture on July 14, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Getty Images/AFP)

Dozens of US ice cream producers are planning to remove artificial colors from their products by 2028, a dairy industry group and government officials said on Monday.

The producers, which together represent more than 90% of ice cream sold in the US, are the latest food companies to take voluntary steps to remove dyes since Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in April said the US aimed to phase out many synthetic dyes from the country's food supply.

Several major food manufacturers, including General Mills, Kraft Heinz, J.M. Smucker, Hershey and Nestle USA, have previously announced their plans to phase out synthetic food coloring.

The 40 ice cream companies will remove Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 from their retail products, excluding non-dairy products, according to the International Dairy Foods Association.

The IDFA announced the plan at an event at the US Department of Agriculture headquarters on Monday with Kennedy, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

"We know that our current health outcomes, especially for our children, are unsustainable and that American agriculture is at the heart of the solution to make America healthy again," Rollins said at the event, referencing a slogan aligned with Kennedy.

Rollins and Kennedy have worked closely together on food sector efforts like encouraging states to ban soda from the nation's largest food aid program.

Kennedy has blamed food dyes for rising rates of ADHD and cancer, an area many scientists say requires more research.

The IDFA said artificial dyes are safe, but that ice cream makers are taking the step in part to avoid disruption to sales from state efforts to phase out dyes from school foods and West Virginia's recent food dye ban.