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Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2014; 18(03): 303-310
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1363463
Systematic Review
Thieme Publicações Ltda Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Implantable and Semi-Implantable Hearing Aids: A Review of History, Indications, and Surgery

Aline Gomes Bittencourt
1   Department of Otolaryngology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Patrick Rademaker Burke
1   Department of Otolaryngology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Isabela de Souza Jardim
1   Department of Otolaryngology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Rubens de Brito
1   Department of Otolaryngology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Robinson Koji Tsuji
1   Department of Otolaryngology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Anna Carolina de Oliveira Fonseca
1   Department of Otolaryngology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Ricardo Ferreira Bento
1   Department of Otolaryngology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

03 September 2013

17 September 2013

Publication Date:
09 April 2014 (online)

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Abstract

Introduction The complaints associated with the use of conventional amplifying hearing aids prompted research at several centers worldwide that ultimately led to the development of implantable devices for aural rehabilitation.

Objectives To review the history, indications, and surgical aspects of the implantable middle ear hearing devices.

Data Synthesis Implantable hearing aids, such as the Vibrant Soundbridge system (Med-El Corporation, Innsbruck, Austria), the Maxum system (Ototronix LLC, Houston, Texas, United States), the fourth-generation of Carina prosthesis (Otologics LLC, Boulder, Colorado, United States), and the Esteem device (Envoy Medical Corporation - Minnesota, United States), have their own peculiarities on candidacy and surgical procedure.

Conclusion Implantable hearing aids, which are currently in the early stages of development, will unquestionably be the major drivers of advancement in otologic practice in the 21st century, improving the quality of life of an increasingly aged population, which will consequently require increased levels of hearing support.

Keywords

hearing aid - hearing loss - middle ear implant - fully implantable hearing aid - Envoy - Vibrant Soundbridge
 

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