Middle Ear Implants

A middle ear implant is a surgically implanted hearing aid that is fast emerging as a proven alternative to conventional hearing aids. It is usually considered for patients who refrain from using traditional hearing aids due to either medical reasons or upon not getting the desired benefit. These include people with an obstruction of the outer or middle ear, people who cannot tolerate hearing aids or ear molds, and people unable to detect the amplification in sound brought about by conventional hearing aids.

Vibrant sound bridge

The vibrant sound bridge is a successful middle ear implant system designed for individuals with moderate to severe hearing losses. It consists of an external audio processor and an internally positioned implant. The audio processor can be discreetly concealed under the user's hair. The sounds picked up by the microphone of the audio processor are converted into electrical signals and transmitted to the implant. The implant, in turn sends these signals to the FMT (floating mass transducer). The FMT changes the electrical signals to mechanical vibrations. These vibrations stimulate the middle ear structures and conduct the sound to the inner ear and brain.

The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. The procedure takes around 2 to 3 hours.

Risks and Complications

The surgery is generally considered safe, but may rarely involve complications such bleeding at the surgery site, infection, and injury to the facial nerve.