Professor Mashudu Tshifularo, a South African otolaryngologist, has made groundbreaking advancements in hearing restoration by pioneering the use of 3D-printed implants for middle ear reconstruction.

His innovative approach provides a cure for certain types of deafness.

Tshifularo led a team at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, to perform the first successful middle ear transplant using 3D-printed bones on March 13, 2019.

The endoscopic procedure, which lasted approximately 2 hours, replaced the damaged ossicles (hammer, anvil, and stirrup) with custom-made implants created using a 3D printer.

The first patient to undergo this revolutionary surgery was a 35-year-old man who suffered hearing loss after a car accident caused permanent damage to his inner ear.

Tshifularo’s technique allows for the replacement of only the malfunctioning ossicles, significantly reducing the risks associated with traditional prostheses and surgical procedures.

Born in the rural village of Mbahela near Thohoyandou, Venda, South Africa, Tshifularo knew from the age of 13 that he would become a medical doctor. After completing his studies at the University of Natal, he began his career as a physician at Tshilidzini Hospital in 1990.

Since 1995, Tshifularo has been a professor and head of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at the University of Pretoria, where he also serves as a chief specialist. In 2000, he was appointed as the youngest and only Black professor of ENT in South Africa.

Tshifularo’s groundbreaking work has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of hearing loss. By using 3D-printed implants, he has created a more affordable and effective solution compared to traditional titanium implants.

His innovative approach offers hope to millions of people worldwide who suffer from hearing impairments.