Bone-Anchored Implants Can Connect You with the Sounds of Your World

Posted on by Premier Medical Group

Sometimes, you need a specific fix for your hearing loss. Every hearing loss patient is unique, and some have certain conditions like single-sided deafness or different formations of certain parts of the ear that often work best with a bone-anchored hearing device.

You don’t have to embark on this journey of determining what works best for you alone. At Premier Medical Group, we’ll support you through the process of finding the ideal hearing loss treatment plan for your individual needs. There are a lot of sounds in the world, and we want you to be able to hear as many as you can.

How Does a Bone-Anchored Hearing Device Work?

Bone-anchored implants allow you to hear sounds by transmitting vibrations to the inner ear. While traditional hearing aids amplify sounds that enter the ear canal, bone-anchored hearing devices bypass the ear canal and middle ear, similar to how cochlear and auditory brainstem implants work.

A bone-anchored hearing device consists of:

  • A titanium implant
  • An externalabutment
  • An external sound processor and microphone

The device sends sound vibrations through the external abutment to the titanium implant, which eventually integrates with the skull bone.

Who Should Receive a Bone-Anchored Implant?

You might be a good candidate for a bone-anchored hearing device if:

  • You have single-sided deafness.
  • You have malformations in the outer ear, middle ear or ear canal.
  • You’re allergic to traditional hearing aids.
  • You have Meniere’s disease.
  • You experience chronic middle ear infections.
  • You have cholesteatoma or growth of skin behind your eardrum.
  • You have an acoustic neuroma or a benign tumor that develops on your vestibular or auditory nerves.

Can Children Use Bone-Anchored Hearing Devices?

If your child has conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss or single-sided deafness, a bone-anchored implant might be a good fit for them. For younger children and those who would prefer a nonsurgical option, certain sound processors can be held in place with a band or sticker. Our provider will work with you to determine what might work best for your child.

What Are the Benefits of a Bone-Anchored Hearing Device?

  • Because the device is directly against the bone, sound quality is often superior.
  • For those who have ears that are absent or formed differently, it can be difficult to comfortably wear a conventional hearing aid.
  • Though they require surgery, the process is minimally invasive.

How Do I Get a Bone-Anchored Implant?

Receiving a bone-anchored hearing device requires surgery, but it’s an outpatient procedure. Our provider will insert a small titanium implant into the mastoid bone behind the ear. The abutment will stick out through the skin to allow you to attach the external microphone and sound processor.

Following the surgery, your skull and skin must heal before the device’s external elements can be clipped on. This typically takes between three weeks and three months.

Once you’ve healed from the surgery, the sound processor and microphone can be programmed for your specific hearing needs. We’ll customize the device, so it works best for you individually.

What is the OSIA System?

The OSIA System is a cutting-edge hearing implant designed to help people with hearing loss in one or both ears. Unlike traditional hearing aids, the OSIA works by bypassing damaged parts of the ear and sending sound vibrations directly to the inner ear through the bones of your skull. This process, called *bone conduction*, provides clear, natural sound even in noisy environments. 

How Does It Work?

The OSIA System has two main parts: 

1. An Implant: A small device is placed just under the skin behind your ear during a simple outpatient surgery. 

2. A Sound Processor: This small, discreet device sits on your skin and captures sounds around you. It turns these sounds into gentle vibrations that are sent through the implant to your inner ear. 

Why Choose OSIA? 

  • Clear, Reliable Sound: The OSIA System provides consistent, high-quality sound, helping you hear conversations, music, and everyday sounds. 
  • Comfortable and Discreet: The sound processor is lightweight, sits comfortably on your skin, and blends in with your natural appearance. 
  • Designed for Active Lifestyles: The OSIA is built to stay securely in place and is resistant to water, sweat, and dust, making it perfect for work, play, and exercise. 
  • Personalized to You: Your OSIA is fine-tuned by your audiologist to match your unique hearing needs. 

Who Can Benefit?

The OSIA System is a great solution for individuals with: 

  • Conductive hearing loss (caused by problems in the outer or middle ear) 
  • Mixed hearing loss (a combination of conductive and inner ear hearing loss) 
  • Single-sided deafness (hearing loss in one ear) 

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of advanced hearing technology, talk to your audiologist to see if the OSIA System is right for you!

Our Team Is In Your Corner

At [Generic Audiologist], we’re here to guide you through your journey of getting hearing loss treatment. Whether you’re ready to move forward with a treatment or have more questions, we’re here to support you. We want you to connect with as many sounds as possible.