Middle ear implantable devices in tinnitus treatment

Abstract

Keypoints: 1. Tinnitus is often associated with high-frequency hearing loss. 2. Rehabilitation with hearing aids has shown effectiveness in reducing tinnitus. However, in some individuals with severe high-frequency hearing loss, classical hearing aids are not always able to amplify the high frequencies sufficiently and provide enough power. 3. Active middle ear implants are an alternative to conventional hearing aids that allow more power delivered to the cochlea, especially at high frequencies, and can also be used when middle ear ossicles are damaged. 4. A study supported by the Tinnitus Research Initiative (TRI) and MED-EL of the effect of a middle ear implant showed that individuals with severe tinnitus and high-frequency hearing loss achieved relief of their tinnitus after implantation. 5. Some patients had complete relief of their tinnitus after activation of the middle ear implant. Similar effects cannot be achieved by conventional hearing aids. 6. Individuals who have significant residual inhibition of their tinnitus and high-frequency hearing loss seem to be the best candidates for implantations. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011.