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Implantable Hearing Device "Soundbridge®"
The Soundbridge® is an implantable middle ear hearing device for the treatment of mild to severe sensorineural hearing loss.
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It utilizes a hearing technology that directly drives the ossicular chain. It consists of two major components:
- the implant, called the Vibrating Ossicular Prosthesis (VORP), and
- the external amplification system, called the Audio Processor.
It is 100% digital and is programmed by an Audiologist eight weeks after the implant procedure to fit the user's specific hearing loss.
With nothing in the ear canal, the Soundbridge® is a particularly good treatment option for current hearing aid wearers who suffer from occlusion or feedback, and those who are looking for better sound quality or improved wearing comfort. The Soundbridge® is not a cochlear implant and it is not for conductive hearing loss.
 Candidates & Procedure
The Vibrant® Soundbridge® is designed for adults, eighteen years and older, with mild to severe sensorineural hearing loss and some hearing aid experience.
Selection Criteria
Please click here for selection criteria.
Soundbridge® Technology
The Vibrant® Soundbridge® is a direct-drive, implantable middle ear hearing device intended to provide a level of useful sound perception to individuals with a sensorineural hearing loss.
The Soundbridge® converts sound into mechanical energy that is directly transferred to the auditory ossicles. It consists of two major components:
- the implant, called the Vibrating Ossicular Prosthesis (VORP), and
- the external amplification system, called the Audio Processor.
It is 100% digital and is programmed by an Audiologist to fit the user's specific hearing loss. The Audio Processor contains a microphone that picks up sound from the environment and transfers it across the skin to the internal coil in the VORP. The signal is then delivered to the Floating Mass Transducer (FMT) causing it to vibrate.
The FMT mechanically stimulates the auditory ossicles, mimicking the natural hearing process. The VORP is surgically implanted under the skin behind the ear. The FMT is attached to the long process of the incus during the surgical procedure.
Internal Medical Device
Externally Worn Audio Processor
It is 100% digital and is programmed by an Audiologist to fit the user's specific hearing loss.
The Audio Processor picks up sound from the environment and transfers that sound across the skin to the implanted part.
The FMT is a tiny transducer that directly vibrates the ossicles by mimicking the natural motion of the ossicular chain, sending an enhanced signal to the fluid-filled inner ear (cochlea).
That ossicular motion creates movement in the cochlea stimulating the hair cells. The hair cells provide stimuli to the auditory nerve which are then interpreted by the brain as sound.
Vibrant® Soundbridge® User Climbs Mountain in the Himalayas
Michel M., a Vibrant Soundbridge® user from France, recently climbed one of the peaks in the Himalayas near Mt. Everest. He climbed up to a peak of 5500 meters (ca. 18,000 ft.) and was able to wear his Vibrant® Soundbridge® Audio Processor without any problems.
Michel received his Vibrant® Soundbridge® in Marseille in December 2001. Before implantation he wore digital ITE hearing aids but complained about loud sounds, feedback and insufficient overall benefit. With his Vibrant® Soundbridge®, Michel now reports benefits including greatly improved sound quality in noisy situations and wearing comfort. Michel still uses an ITE hearing aid in the other ear, but he is a candidate for bilateral implantation and plans to receive his second Vibrant® Soundbridge® in 2004.
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