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. 2006 Dec;27(8):1104-9.
doi: 10.1097/01.mao.0000244352.49824.e6.

A new implantable middle ear hearing device for mixed hearing loss: A feasibility study in human temporal bones

Alexander M Huber  1 , Geoffrey R Ball, Dorothe Veraguth, Norbert Dillier, Daniel Bodmer, Damien Sequeira
Affiliations

A new implantable middle ear hearing device for mixed hearing loss: A feasibility study in human temporal bones

Alexander M Huber et al. Otol Neurotol. 2006 Dec.

Abstract

Hypothesis: To assess the feasibility of a new, active middle ear device in temporal bones (TB).

Background: This device is designed for patients with mixed hearing loss subsequent to chronic middle ear infection, surgery, or trauma. This Bell-Vibroplasty is built from a VIBRANT MED-EL Vibrant Soundbridge and a Kurz Bell titanium partial ossicular replacement prosthesis.

Methods: In three fresh TBs, healthy and reconstructed middle ears were analyzed by means of laser Doppler interferometry. The sound transmission properties of a partial ossicular replacement prosthesis and a passive and an active Bell-Vibroplasty were compared with healthy middle ear function.

Results: The measurements provided reliable results with small standard deviations and good signal-to-noise ratios. The performance levels of the partial ossicular replacement prosthesis and of the passive Bell-Vibroplasty were comparable with that of healthy middle ear function. The activated Bell-Vibroplasty provided linear function and a flat frequency response within the measured frequency range (500 Hz-8 kHz), with peak deviations of less than 10 dB. The maximum output of the Bell-Vibroplasty was equivalent to 125-dB sound pressure level.

Conclusion: Bell-Vibroplasty is feasible in TBs. Bell-Vibroplasty performance in TBs is sufficient to allow for a clinical trial as a next step.

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