Envoy Totally Implantable Hearing Device: The microphone is attached to the malleus and the vibrator couples to the stapes.
Implantable Hearing Devices are the newest solution to “nerve” hearing loss for patients who can’t or do not want to use standard hearing aids. The SYMPHONIX Sound Bridge is the first approved partially implantable hearing device for nerve deafness. This partially implanted device is now available if hearing aids have not been adequate.
Pittsburgh Ear Associates will begin trials of two new TOTALLY implantable hearing devices this Spring. We have been selected as one of only two test sites in the United States for clinical trials of the St. Croix ENVOY device. We will select five patients for placement of a unique device which captures tympanic membrane vibrations for computer processing and nearly-simultaneous vibration of the stapes. The costs will be paid by the manufacturer. Pittsburgh Ear Associates will also participate in the Implex Corporation’s TICA device clinical trials this Spring . This device has already received approval in Europe and we are the only regional center participating along with eleven other centers nationally. The TICA device uses a microphone implanted under the skin in the ear canal to transmit sounds to a microcomputer for direct ossicular vibration. Only ten patients will be accepted for this trial.
Both devices offer more natural sound than standard hearing aids. In addition to invisibility, they can be active while sleeping or even with water sports since there are no external components.
We are just beginning patient selection. Patients with nerve deafness who are not satisfied with traditional hearing aids are potential candidates. For more information call (412)321-2480.
