Woman gets first ‘bionic ear’ implant

Scientists have perfected a “bionic ear” which can restore near normal sound to those who have lost their hearing.

For the first time the completely deaf will be able to hear in a way similar to people without hearing loss.

Susan Rae, 52, from Cardenden, Fife, has become the first person in Scotland to receive the ear implant that could soon help thousands of people regain their hearing

The device is implanted in the skull behind the ear and an external transmitter uses electrical impulses to stimulate the auditory nerve.

Mrs Rae said when she first woke up after the operation she heard a strange noise. She added: “It was only after a while that I realised I was listening to the birds singing.”