Middle ear implants: bridging sound barriers 

Middle ear implants are similar to a bone conductor except that instead of vibrating the skull via the temporal bone, a small transducer is attached to the small bones within the middle ear (ossicles).

Similar to a cochlear implant a small discreet speech processor is worn under the hair, which then transmits the information to the transducer that vibrates the ossicles directly.

Middle ear implants can be beneficial for all types of hearing loss including conductive, mixed and sensorineural hearing loss but is typically used for people with sensorineural hearing loss.

The good news is that the Vibrant Soundbridge discussed below is now covered by private health insurance for sensorineural hearing loss. Check with your insurance provider for exact cover.

Call today on 1300 252 748 or request a callback using the button below to discuss how implants can help you or read on for more middle ear implant information.

Request an implant callback today!

Can I benefit from a middle ear implant?

Middle ear implants are suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss be it conductive or sensorineural.

Where bone anchored hearing aids provide benefit to those patients with outer and middle ear issues, middle ear implants only provide benefit to those with outer ear issues.

Like the bone anchored hearing aid, surgery is required for a middle ear implant.

Who makes middle ear implants?

Both Cochlear Limited and MED-EL have middle ear implant products on the market, but only the Vibrant Soundbridge from MED-EL is currently available in Australia.

MED-EL Vibrant Soundbridge 

The Vibrant Soundbridge middle ear implant system from MED-EL uses the same SAMBA sound processor as their bone anchored system. The SAMBA features the following benefits:

The implant portion is the Vibrating Ossicular Prosthesis (VORP) and the Floating Mass Transducer (FMT). The signal sent by the audio processor is processed by the VORP and converted by the FMT into mechanical vibrations that are transmitted directly to the middle ear structures. Benefits of the MED-EL system include:

• Optimal sound transmission via direct stimulation
• Excellent sound perception, even in the high-frequency range
• Only middle ear implant with single-point attachment

How do I get a middle ear implant?

First step is to make an appointment with Clarity to assess your suitability and discuss your options.

We will outline all options available to you so you can make an educated decision.

Contact us today and we’ll arrange it for a time that suits you.

Call today on 1300 252 748 or request a callback using the button below to discuss how implants can help you.

Request an implant callback today!