Osseointegrated bone conduction devices are FDA-approved, surgically implanted titanium posts or internal magnets that connect to an external digital processing device. This instrument is programmed in accordance with a patient’s hearing loss and allows sound to be conducted through the patient's mastoid directly to the inner ear.
Osseointegrated bone conduction devices are used in patients with:
- Conductive or mixed hearing loss.
- Single-sided deafness or unilateral hearing loss.
For conductive or mixed hearing loss, sound enters the device on the side of the impaired ear and is transmitted via bone conduction to the cochlea on the same side. For single-sided deafness or unilateral hearing loss, sound enters the device on the side of the impaired ear and is transmitted via bone conduction to the cochlea of the opposite (better functioning) ear.
Implantation Criteria
Osseointegrated bone conduction device implantation is FDA-approved for:
- Patients five years or older (if younger than age 5, a soft band may be implemented in place of surgery).
- Mixed or conductive hearing loss (that cannot be improved with the use of hearing aids or through surgery).
- Single-sided deafness (profound sensorineural hearing loss in one ear and normal hearing in the opposite ear).
Evaluation Requirements
To be considered for an osseointegrated bone conduction device, you will need a:
- Complete audiological and medical evaluation (from an ENT specialist and/or physician).
- Implant device consultation, in order to:
- Review audiometric findings.
- Discuss candidacy.
- Demonstrate the device.
Patient Stipulations
Patients who receive an osseointegrated bone conduction device will require:
- An initial programming visit and possible follow-up appointments.
- Annual complete audiological evaluation, and follow-up visits for any change in a patient’s hearing thresholds.