| Solution |
Indications |
How it Works |
Details |
| BAHA® system |
Used for conductive, mixed or Single Sided Deafness (SSD), involving at least one functioning inner ear. |
BAHA® system is implanted and conducts sound using direct bone conduction--sending sound using the skull as a pathway (does not reproduce sound electronically and does not involve an in-the-ear component). |
- Surgical procedure takes 30-45 minutes with local or local with sedation anesthesia.
- Nothing worn in the ear.
- No post-surgery programming necessary.
- Procedure is reversible.
|
| Vibrant® Soundbridge® |
Moderate-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss |
Sound is picked up by an external microphone, which processes the sound and sends it to a transmitter under the skin. The sound is sent to a device attached to the middle ear bones (ossicles). The device attached to the ossicles vibrates and transmits sound similar to the natural hearing process. |
- Surgical procedure is 1.5 to 2 hrs. under general anesthesia.
- External audio processor fitted at 8 weeks after surgery.
- Programming of the audio processor is similar to that for a conventional air-conduction hearing aid.
|
| Cochlear Implant |
Bilateral severe-to-profound inner ear type hearing loss |
Sound is picked up by an external microphone, which processes the sound and sends it to a transmitter under the skin. The sound is sent to an implanted electrode array in the inner ear, which produces a pattern of electrical pulses in the wearer's ear. |
- Involves replacing the function of a non-working inner ear through 1-2 hr. operation.
- After surgery, there is an extensive programming and therapy process.
|
| Air Conduction Hearing Aid |
Used for certain types of conductive, mixed and sensorineural hearing loss to amplify sounds. |
Relies on amplification to send acoustic sound to a functioning inner ear. |
- Involves an in-the-ear component.
- May aggravate chronic ear infections.
|
