Implantable hearing devices - An update

Hearing loss affects one in six Australians and has an extensive psychosocial impact on patients. Hearing technology has made marked improvements over the past 30 years and device options for patients with hearing impairment are continuously emerging.

This article reviews currently available implantable hearing devices and their utility in certain patient populations. It also high-lights the patient characteristics that general practitioners (GPs) can use in identifying a patient who may benefit from referral to an implant program.

The prevalence of hearing loss is increasing. The available options for hearing rehabilitation are continuously expanding, with improvements in technology, design and patient outcomes. In Australia, available implantable hearing devices include percutaneous and transcutaneous bone conducting aids, and cochlear implants. Complication rates continue to decrease as advances in operative techniques, and device design and function allow for expansion of device indications among the patient population.