title: Implantable and semi-implantable hearing AIDS: a review of history, indications, and surgery.
abstract: Introduction The complaints associated with the use of conventional amplifying hearing aids prompted research at several centers worldwide that ultimately led to the development of implantable devices for aural rehabilitation. Objectives To review the history, indications, and surgical aspects of the implantable middle ear hearing devices. Data Synthesis Implantable hearing aids, such as the Vibrant Soundbridge system (Med-El Corporation, Innsbruck, Austria), the Maxum system (Ototronix LLC, Houston, Texas, United States), the fourth-generation of Carina prosthesis (Otologics LLC, Boulder, Colorado, United States), and the Esteem device (Envoy Medical Corporation - Minnesota, United States), have their own peculiarities on candidacy and surgical procedure. Conclusion Implantable hearing aids, which are currently in the early stages of development, will unquestionably be the major drivers of advancement in otologic practice in the 21st century, improving the quality of life of an increasingly aged population, which will consequently require increased levels of hearing support.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Aline Gomes
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Bittencourt
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Patrick Rademaker
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Burke
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Isabela de Souza
authors.initials: Ide S
authors.lastname: Jardim
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Rubens de
authors.initials: Rd
authors.lastname: Brito
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Robinson Koji
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Tsuji
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Anna Carolina de Oliveira
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Fonseca
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ricardo Ferreira
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Bento
keywords: Envoy; Vibrant Soundbridge; fully implantable hearing aid; hearing aid; hearing loss; middle ear implant