Multicenter audiometric results with the Vibrant Soundbridge, a semi-implantable hearing device for sensorineural hearing impairment.

Abstract

The Vibrant Soundbridge, a semi-implantable hearing device for subjects with moderate to severe sensorineural hearing impairment was introduced commercially. First audiologic results are presented on 63 patients from 10 European implant centers. Hearing loss was at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz varying between 43 and 81 dB HL. The patients used the analogue audio processor, type 302. Measured sound-field gain was compared with NAL-R target values. For most patients an acceptable agreement was found. There was a subgroup of patients, however, with relatively low gain. The results suggest that this was related to the suboptimal positioning and fixation of the transducer to the incus.