Hearing Implant Options
Some people do not get enough benefit from conventional hearing aids, or may not be able to wear them because of ongoing ear problems or the type of hearing loss they have. In these situations, a hearing implant may be an option.
The hearing implant service offered through NHS Lothian Adult Audiology Service provides assessment and support for a range of implantable hearing devices, including:
- Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA)
- Cochlear Osia systems
- Oticon Medical Sentio systems
- MED-EL hearing implants
These devices are designed for people with conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, or single-sided deafness (hearing loss in one ear). They may also help people who cannot comfortably use conventional hearing aids because of chronic ear infections, ear canal problems, or previous ear surgery.
How hearing implants work
Unlike traditional hearing aids, which amplify sound through the ear canal, many hearing implants work by sending sound vibrations directly to the inner ear through the skull bone. This is known as bone conduction.
The external sound processor picks up sounds from the environment and converts them into vibrations or electrical signals. These signals are then transmitted through the implant to the hearing system of the inner ear, helping improve access to speech and environmental sounds.
Different implant systems work in slightly different ways:
- BAHA systems use bone conduction technology attached through either a small implant or magnetic connection.
- Cochlear Osia and Oticon Medical Sentio are active bone conduction implants that use an implanted vibrating device beneath the skin with an external sound processor held in place magnetically.
- MED-EL hearing implants, including Bonebridge systems, also use active bone conduction technology to bypass problems in the outer or middle ear.
Who may be suitable?
You may be considered for a hearing implant assessment if you:
- have conductive or mixed hearing loss
- have hearing loss in one ear only (single-sided deafness)
- cannot wear conventional hearing aids comfortably
- experience chronic ear infections or drainage
- have had previous ear surgery
- receive limited benefit from standard hearing aids
Every patient is different, and suitability depends on hearing test results, medical history, and individual hearing needs. A full assessment is carried out by our specialist Audiology and ENT team before any decision is made.
How to seek a referral
If you think you may benefit from a hearing implant, speak to your Audiologist, or ENT consultant. They can refer you to the hearing implant team for further assessment.
During the assessment process, you may have hearing tests, discussions about your hearing needs, and in some cases a trial of a device before deciding whether an implant is suitable for you.
