Middle ear implant system
Middle ear implant
SOUNDBRIDGE is the optimal solution for individuals with conductive or mixed hearing loss, or mild to severe sensorineural hearing loss. The SOUNDBRIDGE system is designed for hearing restoration after middle ear surgery and for treatment of sensorineural hearing loss and medical conditions (e.g. chronic external otitis), which are contraindications to the use of conventional hearing aids.
The SOUNDBRIDGE implant directly stimulates the structures of the middle ear. Users experience improved sound quality and clarity due to the direct-drive technology of the FMT (Floating Mass Transducer), which provides mechanical stimulation of middle ear structures. Since the ear canal remains completely open, patients with pathologies in the outer ear canal can make great use of this solution. The latest generation of the SOUNDBRIDGE implant is MR Conditional at 1.5 Tesla.
The SOUNDBRIDGE implant features the innovative technology of the Floating Mass Transducer (FMT). FMT transmits sound by creating vibrations in the middle ear structures according to the individual needs of each patient. The versatility of the FMT has led to the creation of successful surgical applications known as vibroplasty.
Vibroplasty for surgical flexibility
The many years of experience with SOUNDBRIDGE has led to an increase in the variety of surgical procedures, offering surgeons several options for FMT coupling to the middle ear. The examples include fixation on the short process of the incus, fixation on the long process of the incus, stapes or round window. This offers optimal FMT coupling according to the needs, anatomy and pathology of the patient. The unique single-point attachment system means that the FMT is only attached to the stimulated structure of the middle ear. This makes the placement of the FMT independent of skull growth and therefore suitable for implantation in both children and adults.
External part – audio processor
The SAMBA is the latest generation of audio processors for the SOUNDBRIDGE and BONEBRIDGE systems. The elegant, new SAMBA audio processor is an intelligent hearing system with innovative features, such as the Intelligent Sound Adapter, Speech Tracking and adaptive directional microphones. It also offers its users 5 individual programs and easy handling by using a remote control. The SAMBA offers wireless connectivity Via Bluetooth or telecoil to external devices such as mobile phones, FM systems and ALDs. Wireless connectivity is available by using the Siemens miniTEK™.
The SAMBA has a data-logging feature which provides detailed user information in order to facilitate the adjustment of the device. SAMBA's self-learning system aims to reduce the need for making any adjustments or readjustment. The Vibrogram provides a standardized fitting procedure for SOUNDBRIDGE and BONEBRIDGE. The fitting of the SAMBA can be carried out using the latest SYMFIT software, either wirelessly or Via the battery-pill. The versatile SAMBA system requires fewer audio processor variants which optimizes the process of ordering and delivering the product to clinics.