Experience with the SOUNDTEC implantable hearing aid.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy, morbidity, and patient satisfaction of the SOUNDTEC semi-implantable hearing aid.


METHODS
Retrospective case review.


METHODS
Two tertiary referral centers (the Silverstein Institute and the Atkins Institute).


METHODS
Sixty-four (four bilateral placements) patients with bilateral moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss: 47 patients had previously worn hearing aids.


METHODS
After separating the incudostapedial joint, a magnet encased in a titanium canister with a ring was introduced onto the stapes neck. Gelfoam or adipose tissue was used to stabilize the magnet. After 3 months, the external processor was fitted.


METHODS
At 1 month, audiometric testing was performed and functional gain was assessed. Patient acceptance and implant performance were measured by a visual analogue questionnaire.


RESULTS
The device produced an average functional gain of 26 dB. Fifty-five percent of patients complained of magnet movement; this was eliminated in 80% of Silverstein Institute patients when the external processor was worn and fat was used to stabilize the magnet.


CONCLUSIONS
The SOUNDTEC direct device is well tolerated in the majority of patients, with a significant increase in functional gain. Magnet instability and noise were the most frequent complaints and improved with processor placement and anchoring the magnet with fat. This electromagnetic semi-implantable hearing aid confers greater functional gain over conventional hearing aids and reduces occlusion effect and feedback.
Silverstein
Herbert
H
Silverstein Institute, Sarasota, USA. hsilverste@aol.com
Atkins
James
J
Thompson
Jack H
JH
Gilman
Nancy
N
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D001309:Auditory Threshold; D003638:Deafness / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids / Q000523:psychology; D006312:Hearing Loss, Bilateral / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008280:Magnetics / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D011474:Prosthesis Design / Q000523:psychology; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting / Q000523:psychology; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000523:psychology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013063:Speech Discrimination Tests / Q000523:psychology