Implantable hearing aids have several advantages over normal hearing aids. In addition, for many people they often offer the last chance in the fight against hearing loss. They are used when conventional hearing aids are no longer sufficient.
This article provides the most important facts and background information on implantable hearing systems. You can also find selected specialists for implantable hearing aids here.
Hearing aids are used to compensate for existing hearing loss and to counteract increasing hearing loss.
Implantable hearing aids are a generic term for particularly advanced device systems: they are not inserted in the ear canal as usual, but under the skin in the immediate vicinity of the ear.
Implantable hearing aids use the body's own sound amplification via bone conduction. The implant also includes a speech processor with an integrated microphone. It transforms the sound received via the microphone into vibrations and transmits these to the implant.
In other words, the sound reaches the inner ear directly via the skull bone.
In contrast to conventional systems, implants do not rely on acoustic amplification of the sound. Instead, the sound is converted into mechanical vibrations and transmitted to the auditory ossicles in the middle ear.
Implantable hearing aids often prove to be the last ray of hope when conventional systems fail or are no longer successful.
Other positive side effects, especially with regard to the non-implanted classics, are
The latter will particularly appeal to people for whom wearing mobile hearing aids has already caused inflammation in the ear canal.
As a rule, the ENT specialist first uses conventional aids, such as
If these hearing aids are not sufficient, an implantable hearing aid may be an option. Other possible reasons are
Some people suffer not only from impaired hearing, but also from the stigmatization that this phenomenon brings with it. In this case, an implant that is invisible to the outside world also proves to be an advantage.
Doctors generally differentiate between three forms of implantable hearing systems:
The middle ear implant is based on a combination of microphone and electronics, which are held in place with the implant using a magnet. The sound travels from the microphone via the implant, which is located under the skin, to the electronic component ("floating mass transducer"), which is connected to the ossicles.
In the bone-anchored implant, the microphone is located behind the ear. From here, it transmits the sound, which is converted into vibrations, to the skull bone. Optimum transmission is guaranteed by a tiny titanium implant in the skull bone behind the pinna. The hearing aid is fixed here using a snap lock.
The so-called cochlear implant, on the other hand, is generally only used in cases of extreme damage to the inner ear. This results in severe hearing loss or even deafness.
The cochlea is the spiral-shaped part of the inner ear. This is where the human ear actually perceives sound. An injury has serious consequences for hearing. In a nutshell, the cochlear implant bypasses the damaged regions by converting sound into electrical signals in a first step. It then sends these to the auditory nerve.
When implanting a hearing aid, hearing aid acousticians and specialists, primarily ENT and surgeons, should work closely together. This is the only way to achieve the best possible results.
In addition, every surgical procedure requires comprehensive clarification and advice in advance. In addition to the various options tailored to the individual case, this should also include mention of potential risks.
Depending on the hearing system, different measures are recommended for optimal aftercare. As a patient, it is essential that you follow your doctor's instructions regarding wound care and hygiene measures.
Pain and swelling can generally occur after the surgical procedure. This can be exacerbated when chewing or speaking.
If a cochlear implant is used, for example, you can expect to stay in hospital for at least five days. The stitches are removed after six to ten days.
All of the listed forms of implantable hearing aids require precise adjustment and fine-tuning. Intensive hearing training is required after the operation, especially in cases of advanced hearing loss or deafness. This can extend over a period of several months to over a year, particularly in the case of cochlear implant surgery.
According to the manufacturers, the durability of cochlear implants is 30 years.
No general statements can be made regarding the prognosis. As a patient, you should consult your doctor about this. The same applies to all questions before, during and after the use of an implantable hearing aid.
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