A:
|
Middle Ear Implants
Middle ear implants are surgically implanted devices. The
FDA has approved specific middle ear implants and the FDA
is still reviewing others. The middle ear implant is a useful
hearing instrument and is quite different from traditional
hearing aids. Generally speaking, hearing aids reproduce sounds
and make them louder than the original sound. When a hearing
aid is placed in the ear canal, the loud sound is perceived
by the hearing impaired ear. Middle ear implants work by vibrating
the middle ear bones, rather than by producing audible sound.
Therefore, middle ear implants are less likely to produce
feedback, and they do not occlude, or "plug up"
the ear canal. Additionally, for most people wearing middle
ear implants, their hair tends to cover up the external device.
In summary, the reported benefits of middle ear implants are
elimination of the occlusion effect, elimination/reduction
of feedback, reduction in distortion, improved clarity, as
well as some cosmetic advantages.
Middle ear implants are an excellent alternative for people
with moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss, after
they have tried traditional hearing aids for a few months
and after they have determined that traditional hearing aids
are not able to provide the desired benefit.
If you are considering a middle ear implant, speak with your
audiologist. Your audiologist can direct you to an otolaryngologist,
otologist or neurotologist with experience and expertise in
implanting these devices.
Not all patients are surgical candidates, and each candidate
does not receive the same benefit. Nonetheless, middle ear
implants are an option, and are worthy of further consideration
for appropriate patients. Again, the best source for initial
information on this topic is your audiologist.
|