Implantable hearing devices are used for people with significant hearing loss, unique anatomy, and those whom do not benefit from traditional hearing aids. There are two main categories of implantable devices: cochlear implants and bone-conduction devices.
What is a cochlear implant?
A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted device that bypasses damaged hair cells in the ear and provides electrical stimulation directly to the auditory nerve, giving patients with severe to profound hearing loss and poor speech understanding a chance of improved hearing.
How is a cochlear implant different from a hearing aid?
A cochlear implant works differently than a hearing aid. Hearing aids amplify acoustic sounds, while cochlear implants generate an electrical signal that the brain interprets as sound. A cochlear implant is a two-part device consisting of an internal device that is surgically implanted and an external device that is worn behind the ear.
While a cochlear implant does not cure deafness or restore hearing loss, it does allow a patient to perceive sound, and can help them participate in conversation.
What is a bone-conduction device?
A BAHA (bone-anchored hearing aid) is a device that bypasses outer and middle ear systems. Sound is picked up by the microphones and converted into sound via vibrations. This may be a good option for people with outer or middle ear abnormalities, significant history ear infections, or single-sided deafness.
Bone-conduction Device
There are a variety of styles of bone-conduction devices including surgically implanted and non-surgical options. Non-surgical is required for children under the age of 5.
For more information about implantable devices, please contact Oregon, Ear, Nose and Throat Center.