Auditory brainstem implant - Mayo Clinic
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Print Overview
An auditory brainstem implant provides hearing to people with hearing loss who can't benefit from a hearing aid or cochlear implant. This is most commonly due to a missing or very small hearing nerve or severely abnormal inner ear (cochlea). The auditory brainstem implant directly stimulates the hearing pathways in the brainstem, bypassing the inner ear and hearing nerve. Auditory brainstem implant was originally developed for adults diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 2 - a rare genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on nerves. The surgery is now considered for adults and children with other nerve and inner ear abnormalities. Products & Services
Book: Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance Why it s done
The goal of the surgery is to restore hearing in people with hearing loss. An auditory brainstem implant can be alternative approach for people who can't have a cochlear implant. A cochlear implant is an electronic device that bypasses damaged or nonworking parts of the inner ear (cochlea) and directly stimulates the hearing (auditory) nerve. A cochlear implant generally provides better quality sound, but it can't be used in all situations. You may not be able to receive a cochlear implant if you have: A small or missing auditory nerve An unusually shaped inner ear Scarring of the inner ear caused by infection, such as meningitis Damage from a skull fracture An auditory brainstem implant bypasses the damaged auditory nerves and connects directly to the brainstem to help you detect sounds. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Risks
Rare complications following auditory brainstem implants may include meningitis, leaks of fluid found in the brain and spine, facial nerve weakness, pain and dizziness. Despite appropriate device placement, some people don't experience any hearing benefit. What you can expect
During the procedure
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Auditory brainstem implant
Auditory brainstem implants have three main parts: a microphone and sound processor positioned behind the ear; a decoding chip placed under the skin; and electrodes connected directly to the brainstem. Auditory brainstem implants have three main parts: A microphone and sound processor positioned behind the ear to pick up sounds A decoding chip placed under the skin to transmit information picked up by the microphone Electrodes connected directly to the brainstem that, when stimulated, alert you to sound If you have neurofibromatosis type 2, the surgery is often performed at the same time tumors are removed from the hearing (auditory) nerves. After the procedure
After surgery, you'll need many sessions with an audiologist to adjust the sound processor and learn how to use and interpret the signals. This process can take many months. You'll generally see an audiologist every two to four months the first year and annually after the first year. Results
An auditory brainstem implant doesn't restore normal hearing. But it helps most people distinguish sounds such as telephone rings and car horns. Some people have good word recognition, while others get more general sound cues. Combined with lip reading, the cues can improve your communication with others. By Mayo Clinic Staff Auditory brainstem implant care at Mayo Clinic Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Doctors & Departments April 10, 2021 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references Lalwani AK, ed. Neurofibromatosis type 2. In: Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery. 3rd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Education; 2012. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Jan. 20, 2019. Lalwani AK, ed. Sensorineural hearing loss. In: Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery. 3rd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Education; 2012. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Jan. 20, 2019. Teagle HFB, et al. Pediatric auditory brainstem implantation: Surgical, electrophysiologic, and behavioral outcomes. Ear and Hearing. 2017;39:326. North HJD, et al. Hearing rehabilitation in neurofibromatosis type 2. Advances in Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. 2018;81:93. Brackmann DE, et al. Pediatric auditory brainstem implantation. In: Otologic Surgery. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 20, 2019. Winn HR, ed. Neurotology. In: Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2017. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 6, 2019. Morrow ES. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Jan. 20, 2021. Asfour L, et al. Early experiences and health related quality of life outcomes following auditory brainstem implantation in children. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. 2018;113:140. Nakatomi H, et al. Hearing restoration with auditory brainstem implant. Neurologic medico-chirurgica. 2016;56:597. Related
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