Semi-implantable middle ear electromagnetic hearing device for sensorineural hearing loss

A semi-implantable middle ear electromagnetic hearing device (SIMEHD) is proposed for limited clinical trial in adult patients to evaluate the implantable hearing device for moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigational device exemption (IDE) approval has been granted (May 1996) for clinical trials. The implant unit has been evaluated acutely and chronically in animals (cats) with excellent results. Five cats undergoing chronic implantation were allowed to survive an average of 9.6 months, showing that the SIMEHD is biocompatible, functional and without untoward complications. All implant units recovered from the cats were functional, except for wire breakage of the internal antenna. A new antenna was redesigned for human implantation. The SIMEHD system consists of an external and internal unit. The external unit consists of a microphone, audio amplifier, modulator, radio frequency (RF) amplifier, antenna and battery. The internal unit is composed of a receiving antenna, hybrid electronic circuit, air core driving coil, and a target magnet cemented to the incus. All materials in contact with the body are biocompatible and expected to survive indefinitely. The implant unit is miniaturized and manufactured with existing fabrication technology by our industrial collaborator, Wilson Greatbatch, Ltd. The specific aims and major tasks of the proposed research are: a) to evaluate reliability, safety and efficacy of the SIMEHD system in a selected group of patients diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss, due mainly to presbycusis or aging of the inner ear; and b) to obtain objective and subjective evaluation of audiologic and psychoacoustic performance as compared to the acoustic hearing aid. This paper describes the design, illustrates the actual device (newest prototype) and details the technique for surgical implantation in the attic and mastoid antrum in humans.