Bone Conduction Devices
Baha Implantable Systems
A Baha is a surgically implantable system that improves hearing by conducting sound through the bone to a functioning inner ear. It can be used for conductive or mixed (middle ear) hearing loss in one or both ears. It can also be used for single-sided deafness with normal hearing in the opposite ear. We currently offer both the Cochlear Baha Connect and Attract systems.
Connect and Attract systems:
- The Connect system consists of a small titanium implant and abutment that is surgically placed into the bone behind the impaired ear.
- The Attract system consists of an external magnet, a titanium implant and an internal magnet that are surgically placed under the skin behind the impaired ear.
After the implant becomes stable in the bone, an external sound processor is connected to either the abutment in the Connect system or external magnet in the Attract system. Sound then travels into the skull through vibrations, stimulating the inner ear and allowing for improved hearing.
BONEBRIDGE Implantable System
The BONEBRIDGE is a bone conduction implant solution for conductive or mixed (middle and inner ear) hearing loss. It can also be used for single-sided deafness with normal hearing in the opposite ear. The implant, which is surgically placed behind the ear, actively vibrates the bone. The externally worn sound processor is magnetically held in place over the implant.
ADHEAR Non-Implant System
The ADHEAR is a non-surgical bone conduction alternative. The ADHEAR system uses an adhesive adapter placed behind the ear with a bone conduction sound processor connected over it. It can be used for conductive (middle ear) hearing loss in one or both ears. It can also be used for single-sided deafness with normal hearing in the opposite ear. This system offers an alternative solution to bone conduction hearing without the need for surgery.
Cochlear Implants
The continuous improvement in cochlear implant technology and a commitment to the latest research and technical advancements have enabled specialists at Penn to offer an alternative to patients with severe-to-profound hearing loss who no longer benefit from a hearing aid.
Cochlear implant surgery is safe and simple, and its benefits are well established. During the surgical procedure, the implant will be placed behind the ear and into the cochlea. After a healing period, the externally worn speech processor will be fitted to the ear, and the internal device will be activated and tuned. Over time, most patients are able to communicate better and function more independently. Some patients are able to return to phone use, and others may regain the ability to enjoy music.
To determine if you are a candidate for cochlear implant surgery, we conduct detailed audiologic and medical evaluations as indicated above. When you meet with the audiologist, a variety of appropriate systems will be available for your review and selection. As this is your journey, you will be involved in the decision-making process. Penn is the only center in the region that provides patients with implant options from all three manufacturers. The evaluation and consultation process will include a review of all the features and nuances of each device option.
Hybrid Implantable Devices
For patients with configurations of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss in which low frequency hearing is normal to moderate, traditional cochlear implant candidacy may have been out of reach. Through expanded candidacy criteria and prioritizing of residual hearing preservation, the hybrid implant offers another option for hearing rehabilitation. Using a combined approach of acoustic amplification and electrical stimulation, hybrid implants and processors uniquely address certain hearing losses that cannot benefit from either traditional hearing aid or cochlear implant technology alone.
Auditory Brain Stem Implants
Brain stem implants are a unique auditory implant for those individuals with bilateral neural deafness, most commonly arising from bilateral auditory nerve tumors. Because the nerves are so damaged and no longer effective in providing sound to the brain, the implant is placed directly into the brain stem. The implant primarily provides sound awareness to support speechreading. Ability to develop speech understanding is limited. Penn Medicine is the only center in the region to offer this technology.