Implantable Bone Conduction Hearing Aid Research Articles

A Novel Surgical Technique for BAHA<sup>®</sup> Attract Implantation

An implantable bone conduction hearing aid is a device that assists hearing by transmitting sound vibration through the bone. It is suitable not only for patients with conductive hearing loss and congenital external aural atresia but also for those with unilateral hearing loss, chronic otitis media, or patients whose normal structure has been destroyed due to previous surgery. In this paper, we introduce a novel surgical technique for an implantable bone conduction hearing aid (BAHA<sup>®</sup> Attract) that can be performed through minimal incision in a short time under local anesthesia based on accurate anatomical characteristics. We believe this novel technique could provide convenience for patients and surgeons. Additionally, through this technique, we can expect that various types of implantable bone conduction hearing aids that function effectively and safely can be provided for patients.

Bone Conduction Hearing Aid

Abstract: The GSM based Soundbite hearing system allows people with hearing disability to hear the sounds via bone conduction to wear an intraoral device and a small microphone in the deaf ear to regain lost hearing. This device consists of GSM modem, PIC16F877A controller and audio amplifier unit. GSM modem will receive incoming calls and automatically answer the call via AT Commands. Then incoming voice signal is converted into low frequency vibration signal that fed through the teeth to cochlea. Unlike implantable bone conduction hearing aids, Sound Bite requires no surgery. Rather, it is the world’s first removable and non-surgical hearing solution to use the well-established principle of bone conduction to imperceptibly transmit sound via the teeth. Custom made for each person, Sound Bite is simple, removable, and totally non-invasive. This paper introduces a novel hearing aid named artificial ultrasonic bone conduction hearing device, which is different from the traditional hearing aid in two sides: 1) sound conduction manner, 2) human perceptive principles. We focus on discussing the structure of the hearing aid and the research of frequency transposition algorithm. In addition, we design algorithm experimental platform and some sample electromechanical transducers.

A new CochlearTM Osia OSI200 Implantin Spain a case report

<b>Introduction:</b> Hearing rehabilitation after bilateral conductive deafness for middle ear atresia has different options. Osia OSI200 implant is a new type of implantable bone conduction hearing aid with a new technology that offers both acoustic and aesthetic advantages. </br></br> <b>Case report:</b> In this paper, we report the first case of a Cochlear OsiaOSI200 implanted in Spain in a 44-year-old patient. He was affected by a bilateral conductive hearing loss due to a congenital bilateral ear malformation. Ear canal atresia and pinna malformation were noted on the left side as well as ossicular chain malformation on the right side. The surgical technique is described and the results are satisfying.

Efficacy of Implantable Bone Conduction Hearing Aids in Single-Sided Deafness

As the technology advances and bone conduction implant (BCI) use increases, implantable bone conduction hearing aids are regarded as a treatment method for single-sided deafness (SSD) and their efficacy on SSD must be discussed. Therefore, we organized the problems of SSD and types of implantable bone conduction hearing aids and explained their effectiveness in the treatment of SSD in terms of changes in 1) speech recognition in a noisy environment, 2) sound localization, 3) subjective satisfaction as assessed by questionnaire, and 4) tinnitus. Although bone conduction hearing aids do not significantly improve localization ability in SSD, they increase the ability to listen under noise, increasing subjective satisfaction. Tinnitus improvement was also reported. The active forms of BCI like MED-EL BONEBRIDGE®2 and Cochlear Osia®2 have been developed well. Based on these technological developments and effects, bone conduction hearing aids would be a good option for treatment option of SSD.

Optimization and Performance Evaluation of a Transducer for Bone Conduction Implants

We designed and implemented an electromagnetic transducer for implantable bone conduction hearing aids. The proposed transducer is smaller than previous bone conduction transducers for easy implantation and was designed using high permeability metals to produce large electromagnetic forces. In addition, the number of cantilever beams was changed from two to three to minimize distortion of the transducer, potentially due to twisting of the cantilever beam. The proposed transducer consists of a titanium cover with three screw holes, a metal ring, a circular plate, a vibrational membrane with a three-cantilever structure, a metal plate and cylinder, a permanent magnet, top and bottom coils, and a cylindrical titanium case. The transducer was optimally designed based on analysis of electromagnetic and mechanical vibrations, and the target resonance frequency was derived by controlling the variable elements of the vibrational membrane. The transducer was manufactured based on the results of finite element analysis, and the validity of the design was verified by comparing the results of vibration measurement experiments and a simulation. Finally, to evaluate the performance of the proposed transducer, the transducer was attached to the mastoid of participants and functional near-infrared spectroscopy was used to measure brain activation changes of the auditory cortex due to vibration stimulation.

이식형 골전도 보청기용 전자기 트랜스듀서 제안

이식형 골전도 보청기용 전자기 트랜스듀서 제안

Study of miniaturization of implantable bone conduction hearing aid by introducing new

Study of miniaturization of implantable bone conduction hearing aid by introducing new

Current Developments and Challenge of Implantable Bone Conduction Hearing Aids

Current Developments and Challenge of Implantable Bone Conduction Hearing Aids

Bonebridge Implantation for Conductive Hearing Loss in a Patient with Oval Window Atresia

The occurrence of oval window atresia is a rare anomaly with conductive hearing loss. Traditional atresia surgeries involve challenging surgical techniques with risks of irreversible inner ear damage. Recent reports on Bonebridge (Medel, Innsbruck, Austria), a novel implantable bone conduction hearing aid system, assert that the device is safe and effective for conductive hearing loss. We present a case of Bonebridge implantation in an eight-year-old girl with bilateral oval window atresia.

C202 埋め込み型骨導補聴器の経皮伝送法の最適化および音質評価(C2-1 医療・福祉機器)

C202 埋め込み型骨導補聴器の経皮伝送法の最適化および音質評価(C2-1 医療・福祉機器)

J024023 埋め込み型骨導補聴器用経皮信号伝送方法の検討([J024-02]音・光とバイオメカニクス)

In the preliminary research, a new partially implantable bone conduction hearing aid using giant magnetostrictive material (GMM) for transducer has been proposed. The hearing aid is implanted under the skin of a patient's temporal bone. The hearing aid consists of an external unit, i.e., a microphone, a sound processor and a transmitting coil, and of an internal unit i.e., a receiving coil and a transducer (bone vibrator). The internal unit and the external unit are completely separated, and sound signals are transmitted from the external unit to the internal unit by percutaneously using mutual induction. GMM is a metal material which changes its length according to change of magnetic field. However, the powers of the hearing aid at low frequencies are inadequate. In this paper, amplitude modulation (AM) was introduced to the signal transmission to improve the performance of the hearing aid. The excitation force of the hearing aid generated by AM wave was higher than that by sine wave particularly at low frequencies. This result suggests that efficiency of transducer can be more improved by AM using high-frequency carrier waves.

Estimation of the Benefit of Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids

Implantable bone conduction hearing aids are a valuable alternative to conventional aids for those who cannot use a conventional air conduction aid or find it difficult to use because of an aural discharge, most commonly due to chronic otitis media. Previously reported series of the use of a bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) come from the originators of this device, and an independent report of their benefit and use, especially in previous air conduction aid users, would be of value. Twenty-three patients were evaluated at least 6 months after implantation of a BAHA. All 7 previous bone conduction aid users were delighted with their BAHA, reporting increased comfort and hearing benefit that was backed by audiometric evidence. Of the 16 individuals who previously used an air conduction aid, 11 (69%) were delighted users of their BAHA. Unfortunately, the other 5 (31%) reverted to solely using their air conduction aid. There was no obvious predictor as to how these individuals might have been identified prior to implantation. In particular, their pure tone thresholds, especially the bone conduction thresholds, were no different from those of the 11 BAHA users. However, in free field audiometry, the users gained superior benefit from their BAHA compared to their air conduction aid, whereas the nonusers did not. In conclusion, in all series to date, previous users of a conventional bone conduction aid have been delighted users of a BAHA and have gained superior audiometric benefit. This is not necessarily the case with previous air conduction aid users.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

First clinical experiences with an implantable bone conduction hearing aid at the University of Amsterdam.

A transcutaneous bone-conduction hearing aid was implanted in 11 patients who were not suitable for transcranial sound amplification. Audiological and surgical selection criteria were followed strictly. One device had to be explanted and minor revision surgery was needed in two cases for skin irritation and scarring. In general the aids were well tolerated but the amplification power of the external device proved to be insufficient in some patients, in whom bone conduction levels were on the borderline of the selection limits.

Experience with a subcutaneous implantable bone conduction hearing aid (Xomed Audiant) in a district general hospital

Patients with a conductive hearing loss may find conventional hearing aids unsatisfactory for a variety of reasons. Efforts to overcome some of these difficulties have led to the development of the osteointegrated hearing aid. Implantable bone conduction hearing aids are an important advance in the treatment of well selected patients. Only 18 patients, who have been implanted with the Xomed Audiant bone conduction hearing aid, have so far been reported on in the UK. This report concerns a further six patients who have been implanted in one centre. Five of these patients continue to use their Audiant hearing aid 14 to 24 months after being fitted. They regard it to have significant advantages over their previous hearing aids. Four of the five patients use an ear level processor. Two of the patients who had previously used conventional bone conduction hearing aids now use the ear level processor.