FDA Approved: Implantable hearing device

On March 17, 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first 100% implantable hearing device called the Esteem® Totally Implantable Hearing System by Envoy Medical Corporation. The goal of the device is to replicate the function of the middle ear bones and improve quality of life.

The Esteem®, which is implanted under the skin behind the ear, consists of three components: a sound processor, a sensor and driver that are all hermetically sealed and biocompatible.

Here’s how it works: the ear naturally receives sound from the environment and the eardrum vibrates. The sensor, which is attached to the middle ear bones, picks up the vibrations and sends it to the sound processor. The sound processor amplifies and filters the signal and sends the signal to the driver, which is attached to the stapes. The driver converts the electrical signal back to vibrations to be delivered to the cochlea. The cochlea then sends the signal to the brain for processing. An audiologist programs the sound processor and the patient has a remote control to adjust the volume and change programs.

The device has been in a clinical trial period for five years. Shohet Ear Associates Medical Group, Inc. of Newport Beach, CA was one of three sites in the nation to participate in the Esteem® clinical trials. They reported, “At a quiet conversation level, average patient speech understanding improved by more than 45% over their hearing aids.”

According to FDA documents, the Esteem is recommended for patients who meet the following criteria.

• Adult subjects 18 years of age or older
• Mild to severe sensorineural hearing loss
• Speech discrimination test score greater than 40%
• Normally functioning Eustachian tube
• Normal middle ear anatomy
• Adequate space for the Esteem® implant

Another criteria that I believe should be included based on my educational training is that patients are candidates if do not benefit from wearing conventional hearing aids. I am looking forward to working with this newly accessible technology and seeing the positive impact it will have on patient’s lives. FDA reports that long-term studies will need to be performed to examine safety and effectiveness, as a condition of the approval.

via FDA

AudiologyNow! 2010 - April 14-17, 2010 - San Diego

The annual American Academy of Audiology (AAA) conference, AudiologyNOW! is a couple weeks away in the beautiful city of San Diego. This conference is considered the "largest gathering of audiologists in the world!"

The conference offers educational sessions, clinical and research presentations, and exhibitors featuring the latest technology in hearing devices, equipment, products and more. Some of the topics discussed at the conference include hearing loss prevention, hearing loss treatment, neuro-audiology, practice management, vestibular among others. 

This will be my second time attending the conference as a student volunteer. It is a great opportunity to learn about the research and technological advancements in the field of audiology. I plan to come away with insightful information to share on this blog!


Visit the AudiologyNOW! website for more information.

Revisiting the Dancing Outer Hair Cell

Back in 2007, I posted a link to the video of a hair cell located in the cochlea, which is the sensory organ of hearing. I find the auditory system so fascinating, that I had to post it again.

A UK Scientist by the name of Jonathon Ashmore was able to isolate a single outer hair cell and make it dance! That's right, dance! Check out the dancing outer hair cell.

Read an explanation of movie from Ashmore's website here: http://www.physiol.ucl.ac.uk/ashmore/hairexpl.htm

Plantronics shows off their wall of ears

If you have ever had earmold impressions taken for your ears, then you probably know that it can be described as a unique experience. Audiologists typically make impressions of ears for custom earplugs, swimmer's earplugs or hearing aids.

The company Plantronics, which makes Bluetooth accessories, has created a 'wall of ears' at its headquarters to show the wide-range of human ear shapes and sizes. This process gives Plantronics some insight for creating headsets that fit on a variety of human ears.

Check out the cool video showing how they create a model of an ear. Head's up: this is not how it's done at an audiologist's office!

Since the video is wide-screen, you can also watch it on YouTube.

Source: Plantronics United Communications Blog

Joey McIntyre (New Kids on the Block) talks about their 3 month old son's hearing loss

People magazine's interview with Joey McIntyre gives a touching glimpse into one family's experience with having their baby, Rhys, who was diagnosed with a permanent severe hearing loss at birth. They discuss their reaction to the news and how their now 3 month old son, who is wearing hearing aids, is able to be a part of the hearing world. When he is 12 months old, he will be evaluated for a cochlear implant.

This story is a wonderful example showing the progress a child can show with early identification of a hearing loss and subsequent early intervention. Read story on www.people.com: Joey McIntrye Opens Up About Rhys' Hearing Loss.

It is also wonderful to recognize the outpour of support from readers' comments! Enjoy!

Source: www.people.com; photo by Alison Dyer-People

Crescenta Valley High School: Hearing Conservation Presentation

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of presenting to the students of Crescenta Valley High School's Academy of Science and Medicine program. The presentation is part of the grassroots effort on behalf of House Ear Institute's (www.hei.org) teen hearing conservation program titled, "It's How You Listen That Counts!"

The presentation included a range of topics including: basic anatomy of the ear, noise-induced hearing loss information and prevention, benefits of earplugs, how to use earplugs and the myth of cotton swabs. Afterwards, the students had some of the most thought-provoking questions about hearing and ear health! They were an outstanding group, not to mention very respectful!

Hopefully, the group will be able to schedule a field trip to visit the House Ear Institute to check out the ear model in the lobby and a few research labs!

I hope that I will be asked to return for more presentations at Crescenta Valley in the future!

I plan to post some photos from the presentations soon.

House Ear Institute Teen Workshop information