New implantable hearing device replacing the middle ear - optimization of the implant, comparison with rehabilitation alternatives, and investigation of a wider range of patients

Research Project, 2014 – 2017

A new Bone Conduction Implant (BCI) hearing device that keeps the skin intact is believed to avoid the complications associated with the present skin penetrating Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA). Examples of such complications are skin infections and loss of implants. There is a risk that implantable hearing devices, such as the BCI, can be damaged in the handling before closing the surgical wound, both during the sterilization process and the surgery. The BCI is tested audiologically about a month after surgery, and if not working properly a second surgery is required. The aim of our project is to optimize the BCI treatment and hence avoid a second surgery, to compare BCI with alternative treatments to find individual solutions, and to assess a wider range of hearing impairments suitable for the BCI. The project is divided in three main parts. The first is to develop a safe and simple non-invasive method to measure the implant during surgery before closing the surgical wound. Secondly, we will investigate the hearing rehabilitation of individual patients using the BCI and compare with no hearing aid, a reference device, and other types of bone conduction devices. Finally, it will be analyzed if other patient groups can benefit of the BCI, which hearing impairments could be included, and if special solutions are needed. The co-applicants are from three universities, both technical and medical, providing the best possible environment to perform this research.