Auditory Brainstem Implants

Auditory brainstem implants (ABIs) are devices which bypass the cochlea and cochlear nerve and are implanted into the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle adjacent to the cochlear nucleus to provide the patient with auditory perception.

The Baha device is a percutaneous implantable device primarily used for conductive hearing loss. Developed in Gothenburg, Sweden, the device has been used in Europe since 1977. The device was originally designed to treat conductive or mixed losses. However, it has become increasingly popular for hearing rehabilitation in patients with refractory chronic ear disease and congenital ear malformations.

Implantable middle-ear devices were developed for the treatment of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Two IMED devices have previously received FDA approval in the United States, though only one of these is currently available. Two totally-implanted implantable middle-ear devices are currently undergoing FDA investigation in the United States.