NHS LOTHIAN | HEARING & BALANCE SERVICES
Implants.
For those who are unsuitable for conventional hearing aids, a hearing implant can be an excellent alternative. This may be due to recurrent infections, anatomical malformations, previous outer and middle ear surgeries, or a poor perception of sound quality with conventional hearing aids.
The hearing implants offered include bone conduction devices and middle ear implants.
Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
BAHA involves a screw which is surgically implanted into the bone behind the ear. A digital hearing device can then easily be clipped onto the screw. This is particularly suited to conductive hearing loss as the sound transfers directly from the device to the cochlea.
There are devices that are surgically implanted and the external audio processor utilises magnets to hold its position. This is suitable for the treatment of conductive and mixed hearing loss.
Middle Ear Implants
Middle ear implants can be used for conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. The device is surgically implanted and the external audio processor is held in position by magnetic attraction.
Referrals
Referrals can be made to the department via your GP, or if you are an existing Audiology patient you may enquire directly if you feel you may be suitable for one of these devices. Initially an assessment is undertaken within the department and depending on the outcome the participant may then proceed to have a device surgically fitted.
