I keep hearing news stories about “new implantable” hearing aids. What is the story and are they as good as they sound?
Recently there has been a great deal in the news media about “implantable” hearing devices. There are several different types on the market and the FDA will likely approve more in the not-too-distant future. Although they are a tremendous help to some, as with any of the new hearing devices, no one is going to “fix” the ear and therefore, like any hearing aid, cannot restore hearing to naturally normal levels. Just like other devices, there are positives and negatives. It requires surgery with the usual possible risks as well as added costs. However, for some there are significant benefits and for those who are appropriate they can be a major improvement over traditional hearing aids. To determine if these devices may be appropriate for you, a thorough evaluation needs to be performed by a licensed audiologist. If the audiologist finds your type of hearing loss is appropriate for an implantable device, you will then need an examination by an otolaryngologist to determine if you are a s
