Learning to live with a Cochlear Implant

Other Types of Implants and Hearing Aids

Further general Hearing Aid information:

http://web.ukonline.co.uk/hearing concern/hac/html

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Semi-Implantable and Implantable Hearing Aids

Semi-Implantable hearing aids are hearing devices consisting of two parts. One part is implanted under the skin during an operation (this part directly vibrates the hearing bones). The other part is worn externally and is held onto the skin with a small magnet (this part collects the sound and transmits it to the internal part). The device is designed for people with a moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss who are unable to use or tolerate a conventional hearing aid.

For further information: www.symphonix.com

Implantable hearing aids have yet to become available in the UK as they are yet to fully complete clinical trials. This totally implantable hearing system will be suitable for people with a moderate to severe hearing loss, especially high frequency hearing loss.

For further information: www.implex.de

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Anchored Hearing Aids

We receive sound in two ways – by air conduction via the ear canal and by bone conduction transmitted through the jaws and skull bone. Traditional air conduction hearing aids are not suitable for everyone. Some people suffer from chronic inflamation or infection of the ear canal, others have malformed outer or middle ears.

Traditional bone conduction devices have a number of drawbacks including discomfort and poor sound quality. A Bone Anchored Hearing Aid may overcome these problems. A small titanium screw is implanted behind the ear where it bonds to the living bone. After 3 months an abutment is attached and the BAHA can be connected and disconnected at will.

For further information Email: info.uk@nobelbiocare.se

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Auditory Brainstem Implants

An Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI) provides the brain with electrical signals, bypassing the cochlear and nerve of hearing. It is an electronic device that attempts to replace the function of the damaged auditory nerve by electrically stimulating the brain stem to produce a sensation of sound. The device completed full clinical trials in 1998 and there are currently more than 150 users, world wide.

The ABI is suitable for Adult patients who would not be able to use a Cochlear Implant due to a damaged auditory nerve. The ABI can help a totally deafened person to become more aware of everyday sounds and improve speech understanding with lip reading. This device is not currently available for children.

For further information click here: www.cochlear.com/euro/nucleussystems/abi.html

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