Up-to-date knowledge of implantable hearing aids

Abstract

Background: Although remarkable progress has been made in conventional hearing aids, patients with hearing loss are still reluctant to use them due to cosmetic or functional reasons, such as the feedback phenomenon or the occlusion effect. In the late 20th century, implantable hearing aids were developed and used as an alternative.Current Concepts: Several devices have been developed, with three currently available on the international market (Vibrant Soundbridge [Med-El Corporation], MAXUM [SOUNDTEC Inc.], and Esteem [Envoy Medical Corporation]). Electromagnetic and piezoelectric transduction systems enable the devices to transmit external sounds to the internal auditory system, enabling sounds to be heard without amplifying the sound source. Although not an implantable hearing aid, Earlens (Earlens Corporation), which attaches to the eardrum and transmits sound, has also been developed and is commercially available. This manuscript briefly describes these devices, evaluates their benefits and limitations, and considers future research directions in the field of implantable hearing aids.Discussion and Conclusion: Implantable or attachable hearing aids are innovative technologies that compensate for the shortcomings of conventional hearing aids while providing comparable or better results. The demand for them is expected to continue to increase in the future owing to the continued increase in the population with hearing loss and the trend toward quality of life and external beauty.