Implantable hearing devices - An update

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Audiology

Background:

• Hearing loss impacts 1 in 6 Australians, causing significant psychosocial distress.
• Technological advancements in hearing devices are continuously emerging.
• Implantable hearing devices offer new rehabilitation options for hearing impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current implantable hearing devices and their applications.
• To identify patient characteristics for referral to implant programs.
• To inform general practitioners about hearing loss management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of available implantable hearing devices.
• Analysis of patient populations and their suitability for different devices.
• Identification of key indicators for specialist referral.

Main Results:

• Percutaneous and transcutaneous bone-anchored hearing aids and cochlear implants are available in Australia.
• Device technology, design, and patient outcomes have improved.
• Complication rates are decreasing with surgical and device advancements.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of hearing loss is rising globally and in Australia.
• Expanding options for hearing rehabilitation include advanced implantable devices.
• Improved surgical techniques and device function broaden indications for implantable hearing solutions.