The Bonebridge semi-implantable bone conduction hearing device: experience in an Asian patient.

For over three decades, bone conduction hearing aids have been changing the lives of patients with impaired hearing. The size, appearance and fitting discomfort of early generations of bone conduction hearing aids made them unpopular. The advent of bone-anchored hearing aids in the 1970s offered patients improved sound quality and fitting comfort, due to the application of osseointegration. However, the issue of post-operative peri-abutment pin tract wound infection persisted. The Bonebridge system incorporates the first active bone conduction device, and aims to resolve peri-abutment issues. Implantation of this system in an Asian patient is presented.

Vibrant Soundbridge system: application of the stapes coupling technique.

INTRODUCTION: The use of the stapes coupling technique, employed in the Vibrant Soundbridge system, is technically less demanding than the vibroplasty technique, and is more likely to generate a positive outcome without significantly changing residual hearing or resulting in medical or surgical complication. METHOD: We report a patient with repeated left ossiculoplasty failure, who was successfully implanted with a Vibrant Soundbridge. CONCLUSION: We believe that the stapes coupling technique can provide natural stimulation to the inner ear, resulting in a better perceived sound quality.