Surgically Implantable Hearing Aids
Designed to increase transmission of sound Vibrations entering the inner ear; Surgery is required to implant either of these devices.
Middle Ear Implant
A small device attached to one of the bones of the middle ear. Rather than amplifying the sound traveling to the eardrum, an MEI moves bones thus strengthening sound vibrations entering the inner ear so that they can be detected by individuals with sensorineural hearing loss.
Bone-anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA)
In cases with conductive or mixed deafness like bilateral canal atresia and middle ear problems or severe one sided deafness which cannot be corrected by regular hearing aids BAHA can be used.
It consists of a digital sound processor and works directly via stimulating inner ear via bone conduction bypassing the middle ear.
BAHA is implanted over scalp by a simple surgery (FDA approved in child above 5 years of age); in children below 5 years BAHA soft headband can be used.
Cochlear Implant
Cochlear implant is an electronic device which directly stimulates the nerve of hearing allowing individual with profound hearing loss to receive sound. It is surgically implanted in the inner ear (cochlea) and activated by a device worn behind the ear.
Child born with or adult having profound deafness which can not be benefited from conventional hearing aids may benefit from a cochlear implant.
