title: [Semi-implantable transcutaneous bone conduction hearing devices].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Patients with air-bone gaps or combined hearing loss that cannot be corrected by tympanoplasty can be treated with bone conduction hearing aids. The disadvantages of conventional and percutaneous systems are, on one hand, the obvious external fixation components and on the other hand, the biological and psychosocial problems of open implants. This project was therefore set up to develop a semi-implantable, magnetically anchored transcutaneous bone conduction device, introduce it into clinical application and follow-up the results.
  
  
  METHODS
  The principle of this bone conduction device is the magnetic coupling of an external vibrator via implanted double magnets. After extensive laboratory tests, this method was introduced into the clinic in 2006. Following the initial pilot study, 184 implantations in 143 patients have been performed in Recklinghausen since 2008. Long-term evaluation of 20 congenital atresia patients treated with these devices was possible.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Worldwide, more than 3000 of these devices have been implanted. The operative implantation technique is relatively simple. With the new "upside down technique", bone removal is no longer necessary. The 2.6-mm thin implants are hardly noticeable. The hearing improvement is similar to that of other bone conduction hearing aids.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This semi-implantable transcutaneous bone conduction hearing device is another option for patients with air-bone gaps, combined hearing loss or single-sided deafness.
authors: Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Hals-Chirurgie, Prosper-Hospital, Mühlenstr. 27, 45659, Recklinghausen, Deutschland, ralf.siegert@prosper-hospital.de.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Siegert
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Kanderske
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001844:Bone Conduction; D002648:Child; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D004424:Ear Canal / Q000002:abnormalities*; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005260:Female; D006314:Hearing Loss, Conductive / Q000151:congenital* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008280:Magnetics / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D055617:Micro-Electrical-Mechanical Systems / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009998:Ossicular Prosthesis; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation; D013018:Sound Spectrography / Q000295:instrumentation; D014159:Transducers; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult