Implantable Hearing Aids Research

Bone anchored hearing aids (BAHA) and middle ear implants (MEI) are measured to be implantable hearing aids. Bone anchored hearing aids and middle ear implants are basically amplification systems that make easy hearing through air or bone conduction. Cochlear implants work differently as compared to bone anchored hearing aids and middle ear implants. Cochlear implants use an electrical signal to motivate the auditory nerve.

Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA)
Bone anchored hearing aids (BAHA) transfer the sound with the help of a bone in the skull directly into the cochlea through a bone-conduction procedure. Behind the ear in the skull of the recipient a small device is implanted surgically. A case is placed outwardly which holds a microphone and a sound processor. This case conveys sound to the bone which directly goes to the cochlea.

The major benefit of bone anchored hearing aids (BAHA) is that the ear canal in the recipient remains unblocked. Recipients who benefit from bone anchored hearing aids (BAHA) are those that have conductive or mixed hearing mutilation. Single-sided deafness (SSD) recipients are also benefit from BAHA.

Middle Ear Implants (MEI)
With the help of surgery a device is planted into the middle ear. The implant works in conjunction with an exterior case. The exterior case can be worn at the rear of the ear or sometimes in the ear. The method works by vibrating the bones in the middle ear. Middle ear implants work very well because middle ear implants keep the ear canal and ear unblocked. MEI applicants can have a mild to deep loss of sensorineural hearing.