Other implantable devices

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Cochlear implants are not the only implantable devices available. There are a number of other implantable devices for different types of hearing loss.

When considering a device for your deaf child, it is essential to understand that the type of implant required varies depending on the nature and severity of their hearing loss. If the issue lies in the outer or middle ears, poor sound conduction, options like the Bone Conduction Implant or Middle Ear Implant (MEI) might be considered.

However, if the problem resides in the cochlea, a cochlear implant (CI) could be beneficial. In cases of impaired hearing nerve function, an auditory brainstem implant (ABI) might be recommended.

It is crucial to have a discussion with your audiologist to determine your child’s specific level of hearing loss and which type of hearing aid or implant would best suit their needs. Hearing implants become an option when conventional hearing aids are not providing sufficient benefit for your child’s hearing needs.

Bone conduction implant

A Bone Conduction Implant or an Auditory Osseointegrated System (AOS) is a special device that sends sound directly to the inner ear by vibrating the skull bone, skipping the outer and middle ear. In the past, people called it a Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA), but that is a specific brand name. This implant needs a healthy inner ear to work properly. There are different types of bone conduction implants, but they all have a part that is surgically put into the skull and an external piece that processes sound. The external part changes sound into vibrations that the implant sends to the inner ear, letting someone hear even if their outer or middle ear does not work well.

Who might benefit from a bone conduction implant?

People with hearing issues in the outer or middle ear.
Those who cannot use regular hearing aids because of ear infections or skin problems.
People with ear problems like narrow ear canals or ear surgery history that makes wearing regular hearing aids difficult.
Individuals with hearing loss on one side.

What can a bone conduction implant help with?

Lowering the chance of ear infections or skin issues.
Hearing without blocking the ear with moulds.
Hearing sounds around you.
Understanding speech.
Knowing how loud your own voice is.
Lip reading.
Using the phone.
Enjoying music more.

Middle ear implant

A Middle Ear Implant is a special device placed inside the middle ear to help people who cannot use regular hearing aids because of medical reasons. It is made up of two parts: one that is put inside the ear during surgery, and another that stays outside. The inside part includes:

A receiver package with a magnet.
An internal piece that is attached to a bone in the middle ear or near the round window of the inner ear.

The outside part, called the processor, collects sound from the surroundings and sends it to the implanted receiver through the skin. It stays in place with a magnet. This system adds extra movement to the natural hearing process, sending sound into the inner ear.

Who might benefit from a Middle Ear Implant?

People with hearing issues in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Those who cannot wear regular hearing aids because of specific ear problems like infections, skin issues, or allergies to ear moulds.
Individuals with ear abnormalities like narrow ear canals or bony growths.

What can a Middle Ear Implant help with?

Lowering the risk of ear infections or skin troubles.
Giving more natural sound.
No feedback noise.
No feeling of blockage in the ear.
Less sound distortion.

Auditory brainstem implant

An Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI) is for people with severe hearing loss who cannot use a cochlear implant. Instead of sending signals to the inner ear, an ABI sends them directly to the brainstem. An ABI has two parts:

The inside part, called the electrode array or implant, is put in during surgery. It has a receiver package with a magnet placed under the skin above the ear, and an electrode array placed in the brainstem.
The outside part, called the sound processor, is worn behind the ear. It has a microphone to pick up sounds, a cable, and a circular coil held by a magnet on the head. These send sounds to the electrode array.

Who might need an auditory brainstem implant?

People with no or damaged hearing nerves.
Those with conditions like acoustic tumours, NF2, or born without a hearing nerve.

What can an auditory brainstem implant help with?

Hearing sounds around you.
Knowing how loud and high or low your voice is.
Lip reading along with sound to understand speech.

Note: No auditory implants are fully implantable. Currently, all types of implant have an external portion which is connected to the internal device using a magnet or a clip through the skin.