An Implantable Bone-Conduction Hearing Device

Abstract

A new implantable hearing device that transmits an acoustical signal from an external electromagnetic coil to a small magnet implanted in the temporal bone has been developed and implanted in more than 350 patients. Animal research indicates that the device serves as a high-fidelity sound source throughout the audio range. Especially notable is its high-frequency performance. Human experiments using a body processor indicate that the device compares favorably with conventional bone conduction hearing aids, and patients report excellent sound quality as well as improved ability to understand conversational speech. Further development has resulted in an at-the-ear (ATE) processor. Extensive testing of the ATE unit has revealed that current models provide approximately 10 dB less output than the body processors. Further research and development are continuing to address the need for increased power output from the ATE processor and to eliminate other minor problems.