Implantable Hearing Devices

Abstract

There are many barriers that prevent the use of traditional acoustic amplification including anatomic and medical conditions and patient preference. Implantable hearing devices typically avoid the use of the ear canal and can overcome many of these barriers. Current options include partially and fully implantable devices, devices that make use of bone conduction, devices that directly couple to the ossicular chain, and those that provide more direct cochlear stimulation. This article reviews the major devices that are currently available or in development providing information regarding clinical indications, device components, the general surgical procedure, and typical outcomes. This review should help the clinician understand device options to fit specific patient anatomy and amplification needs.

Implantable Hearing Aids: Where are we in 2020?

“…16 Though promising results have been shown in otosclerosis patients with severe to profound mixed loss, 17 only a few studies have been published and have been none reporting long-term outcomes, and the continued availability of this device is questionable. 18 The Cochlear Carina device began development as a partially- the mastoid and an external button processor used to provide transcutaneous electric signal and internal device power. [20][21][22][23] The fully implantable Carina combined the external and internal components into a single device with a rechargeable battery, a digital signal processor, a microphone, a transducer, a magnet, and a receiver coil.…”

“…Phonak Acoustic Implants refined the original design to develop the DACS‐PI (Partial Implant) system, which contained a similar electromagnetic transducer, but replaced the percutaneous processor with a magnetically coupled button device 16 . Though promising results have been shown in otosclerosis patients with severe to profound mixed loss, 17 only a few studies have been published and have been none reporting long‐term outcomes, and the continued availability of this device is questionable 18 …”

A New Type of Wireless Transmission Based on Digital Direct Modulation for Use in Partially Implantable Hearing Aids

“…Since the implant unit does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, there is no problem about battery fluid leakage and surgery for battery replacement. Therefore, partially implantable hearing aids are widely used due to the minimal associated risks and simple installation surgery [17].…”