Partially Implantable Hearing Aids

1. Vibrant Soundbridge =

a treatment for hearing loss

using vibration stimulation in the middle ear

2. Principle of Sound Amplification

The partially implantable hearing aid is an active middle ear implant that

optimizes (amplifies) sound transmission by amplifying the natural vibrations

of the ossicles. (Fig. 1)

    Abb.1

    Abb.2

Sound can thus reach the cochlea naturally. The sensory cells in the cochlea must still be largely intact.

3. Indications

a - Inner-ear hearing loss (mild to moderate) (loss of function of the hair cells in the cochlea)

b - Mixed hearing loss (impaired sound transmission [ossicles] and loss of function of the hair cells in the cochlea) in cases where conventional hearing aid fitting is not possible (e.g.,

inflammation) or where little hearing gain (e.g., due to missing ossicles) can be achieved

e.g., - chronic ear canal infections

- middle ear infections

- eczema caused by intolerance to ear molds

- psoriasis

- chronic ear canal infections with narrowing of the ear canal

- excessive formation of “earwax plugs”

- Congenital malformations with an absent external auditory canal and a collapsed middle ear

- Calcification of the middle ear resulting in ossicles that cannot vibrate (tympanosclerosis)

- Fixation of the stapes that can no longer be treated with a hearing aid (stapes fixation in otosclerosis)

4. Surgical Aspects

The device is always implanted under general anesthesia. An incision is made behind the auricle. (Fig. 3)

     Abb.3

From there, the vibration amplifier (FMT) is coupled to the ossicles (Fig. 4) or directly to the cochlea (Fig. 5) through a bone window.

    Abb.4                                                                               Abb.5
           
5. Aftercare

Follow-up care 2–3 weeks after surgery is provided at the facility where the surgery was performed for wound monitoring. The device is fitted (approximately 6 weeks after surgery) by specially trained audiologists at our facility.