London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) in Canada has performed Bonebridge, a bone conduction hearing implant.
Developed by MED-El Medical Electronics, Bonebridge is a technology that makes it possible for hearing impairments, including conductive and mixed hearing losses or single-sided deafness, to hear a full range of sounds.
The surrounding bone conducts the vibrations to the inner ear where they are converted into nerve signals and transmitted as impulses to the auditory nerve.
LHSC Rhinoplasty & Aesthetic Facial Surgery surgeon Dr. Sumit Agrawal said that the system includes an implant and externally worn audio processor that together simulate the natural hearing process.
"Unlike older technology, the processor communicates wirelessly through intact skin, which makes it very cosmetically appealing and maintenance-free for patients," Agrawal added.
