Implantable Hearing Devices

There are many barriers that prevent the use of traditional acoustic amplification including anatomic and medical conditions and patient preference. Implantable hearing devices typically avoid the use of the ear canal and can overcome many of these barriers. Current options include partially and fully implantable devices, devices that make use of bone conduction, devices that directly couple to the ossicular chain, and those that provide more direct cochlear stimulation. This article reviews the major devices that are currently available or in development providing information regarding clinical indications, device components, the general surgical procedure, and typical outcomes. This review should help the clinician understand device options to fit specific patient anatomy and amplification needs.