Bone Conduction
by Michaela Coon

5 online bone conduction solutions resources

June 23, 2020
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On-demand Osia® System webinar

This one-hour webinar provides an overview of the new Cochlear™ Osia® System, including topics such as candidacy, design features and surgical/audiological overviews. Also, hear from guest speaker Dr. Michael Oldenburg who shares his experience implanting this innovative system.

Fitting a Baha® SoundArc™ System videos

The SoundArc, part of the Baha® System, is a modern and discreet non-surgical option for children and adults struggling with conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss or single-sided deafness (SSD).  It can be fit quickly and easily and can be used with any of the Baha 5 series of processors.  Want more help fitting the SoundArc? These videos give clinicians the tools to correctly fit a SoundArc to maximize patients’ hearing performance:

Osia System Q&A

Dr. Abraham Jacob, Medical Director of Ear & Hearing at Center for Neurosciences in Tucson, Arizona, discusses the world’s first and only Active Osseointegrated Steady-State Implant (OSI). One of the initial surgeons to implant the Osia System, he uses 13 years of surgical cochlear implant/bone conduction experience to review his initial experience  with the system.

Non-surgical Baha considerations

Lisa Christensen, AuD, is the Audiology Program Manager at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas and former President of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA).  Read her discussion on use of bone conduction solutions and non-surgical Baha options as part of her clinical practice.

Osia System resource guide

Osia System

The Osia System is a first-of-its-kind hearing implant system for people with single-sided deafness (SSD), conductive or mixed hearing loss. Learn seven key facts to expand your knowledge about the new hearing loss solution and its technology.

For more information, subscribe to Cochlear ProNews or check out these AudiologyOnline resources.

In the United States, the Osia 2 System is indicated in children 12 and older.

In the United States and Canada, the placement of a bone conduction implant is contraindicated in Children under the age of 5.

Related Posts
cochlear osia system

7 things you need to know about the Cochlear Osia System

March 12, 2020

The Osia® System is a first-of-its-kind hearing implant system for people with single-sided deafness (SSD), conductive or mixed hearing loss.

Here are 7 things you need to know about this revolutionary hearing loss solution:

It’s the world’s first and only Active Osseointegrated Steady-State Implant (OSI)

The Osia System is an active osseointegrated steady-state implant (OSI) hearing solution that uses digital piezoelectric stimulation to send sound through the bone to the inner ear. It utilizes unique Piezo Power™ transducer technology and a digital link that transfers power and data between the sound processor and implant.

It utilizes digital piezoelectric stimulation that excels in the high frequencies

Digital piezoelectric stimulation bypasses damaged areas of the natural hearing system and sends sound directly to the cochlea to optimize the transfer of power and deliver on sound quality by using a digital link between the implant and sound processor.

This connection provides smart two-way communication that transfers 100% of the signal regardless of the coil-to-coil distance* and without risk for interference.2

At the heart of the implant lies the Piezo Power transducer that uses piezoelectric material to generate vibrations that are transferred through a single point of transmission into the bone. The piezoelectric effect is the ability of certain materials to generate an electrical charge from mechanical stress, or in reverse, to generate vibrations from an electrical charge. The advantages of the Piezo Power transducer include its sensitivity at high frequencies that are most important to speech understanding and its suitability for implantation where there is a high demand on power, size and reliability.1

It is designed to work in and with the body

The Osia System utilizes innovative technologies specifically chosen and designed to work in and with the body, an approach called the Human Design™ concept.  With no movement between parts, the technology is well-suited to deliver long-term performance and durability.3,4 The goal of the Osia System is to help people live their lives without getting in the way, while providing the performance needed to hear in noisy situations where they may struggle most.5

It has a slim, smart and robust sound processor

The slim, only 10.4 mm, off-the-ear sound processor is light and comfortable to wear. As an all-in-one magnet retained unit, your patients can simply place it, adjust their hair and be ready to go. There are no small pieces to deal with for patients with limited dexterity, and the ear/ear canal are left open and free to reduce the risk for recurring infections and irritation.6 Further, advanced signal processing allows users to hear what they want to hear.

It is Made for iPhone (MFi) compatible

With Made for iPhone technology, the Osia System becomes a simple extension of mobile devices, streaming sound directly to the sound processor from any compatible Apple® device. For Android™ and other smartphones, patients can stream using the Cochlear Wireless Phone Clip.

The Osia Smart App lets your patients control and adjust their sound processor easily and discreetly. From a smartphone or Apple Watch, they’ll be able to tune the sound the way they want to hear it and monitor their status and settings, creating an easy streaming experience.

It utilizes the BI300 implant for osseointegration

The BI300 implant has a stable osseointegrated foundation for effective sound transmission, which has demonstrated in peer-reviewed clinical literature a 99% implant survival rate at 5 years.7,8

It has an Aqua+ accessory that makes it waterproof down to 3 meters

The easy-to-use Osia Aqua+ accessory covers the sound processor to let your patients enjoy water activities with friends and family. With an Aqua+ accessory, the Osia Sound Processor is waterproof down to almost 10 feet.6 No need to stand back, just jump in.

For more information about the Osia 2 System, subscribe to the ProNews Blog or visit our website.

References:

  1. Goh J. OSI200 Implant Accelerated Life Test Report. D1439967. Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions AB, Sweden 2019.
  2. Sunnerud H. D1575584, Design Verification Report Osia System. Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions AB, Sweden 2019.
  3. No movement: Preumont A, Morkani B. Electromagnetic and Piezoelectric Transducers. Springer, Vienna; 2014:213-248
  4. Long term performance: Goh J. OSI200 Implant Accelerated Life Test Report. D1439967. Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions AB, Sweden 2019
  5. Data on file Windchill Document D1478473
  6. Edward Bennett, OSIA 2 Aqua+ IP68 Tests Design Verification Report. D1638233. Cochlear Ltd, Australia 2019.
  7. Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions AB, Mölnlycke, Sweden. Long term stability, survival and tolerability of a (novel) Baha® implant system. In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). [Cited 2016 Jan 6]. Available from: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02092610. NLM Identifier: NCT02092610.
  8. Flynn, M, Cochlear Baha Attract System, Summary of clinical results and benefits, 2014 (E83112).

© Cochlear Limited 2020. All rights reserved. Hear now. And always and other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of Cochlear Limited or Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions AB. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

This content is meant for professional use. If you are a consumer, please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always read the instructions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information. Views expressed are those of the individual. Consult your health professional to determine if you are a candidate for Cochlear technology.

In the United States, the Osia 2 System is contraindicated in children below the age of 12.

Apple, the Apple logo, FaceTime, Made for iPad logo, Made for iPhone logo, Made for iPod logo, iPhone, iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini, iPad and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Android and Google Play are registered trademarks of Google Inc.

The Android robot is reproduced or modified from work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

For complete smartphone compatibility information, please visit www.cochlear.com/compatibility.

The Osia 2 Sound Processor is IP57 rated with battery compartment excluded. The Osia 2 Sound Processor with Aqua+ is water resistant to level IP68 of the International Standard IEC60529 when used with LR44 alkaline or nickel metal hydride disposable batteries. Refer to the relevant User Guide for more information. The Osia 2 Aqua+ may not be available in all markets and is subject to regulatory approval and product availability.

* Up to the maximum coil-to-coil distance allowed by the system (10 mm).

Boy drawing

Clinical Case Study: Hearing Loss Due to Bilateral Microtia and Atresia

April 12, 2019

Wearyourway

Clinical History and Description

Sam was born with bilateral atresia and microtia and was adopted at four years of age. His family history and previous audiological information are unknown. His adoptive mother did report previous imaging to her knowledge was consistent with missing ossicles. He did arrive to his adoptive family wearing a bone conduction hearing device fit to a Softband. This device was fit unilaterally and was a loaner device from a charity organization. It is unknown when an Audiologist had fit the loaner Softband on Sam. He was placed in a total communication (TC) classroom when he started school. His mother reports that he had no intelligible words at the time of his adoption.

Audiological Testing

At five years and seven months of age, Sam was seen at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas by Audiology and ENT. His ENT physician ordered an updated CT scan and the results were as follows: bilateral microtia and atresia, bilateral dysplastic ossicular chain, bilateral lateral SCC/vestibular abnormalities, mild narrowing basal turn right cochlea, and abnormal location of facial canal. Audiological results were consistent with a moderate conductive hearing loss for both ears (See Table 1). Audiological recommendations were to fit Sam with a bilateral Cochlear™ Baha® 5 on a Softband until further surgical/medical decisions were made.

 Table 1. Unaided Test Results Initial Audiological Evaluation

250 Hz 500 Hz 1000 Hz 2000 Hz 4000 Hz 8000 Hz
Right Ear Air 60 dB 65 dB 65 dB 65 dB 65 dB 45 dB
Left Ear Air 70 dB 75 dB 55 dB 55 dB 65 dB 50 dB
Right Ear Bone 5 dB 10 dB 10 dB 10 dB
Left Ear Bone 10 dB 10 dB 5 dB 5 dB

Sam was fit with two Baha 5 processors on a bilateral Softband two months after initial audiological testing at Cook Children’s Medical Center. Aided testing for Sam utilizing the bilaterally fit bone conduction devices revealed thresholds within the slight hearing loss to normal hearing range in sound-field.

Sam was evaluated again at a one-month follow-up appointment (See Table 2). During this follow up appointment, Sam’s mother reported a vast change in hearing and listening abilities after the bilateral fitting. The family reported that Sam could now say all his family members’ names and follow many auditory commands at home. Sam was given a SoundArc during this appointment after his mom reported that he complained about his hair sticking out with the Softband.

Table 2 – Aided Results at 1 Month

250 Hz 500 Hz 1000 Hz 2000 Hz 4000 Hz 6000 Hz
Right Ear Aided 20 dB 20 dB 20 dB 20 dB 25 dB 20 dB
Left Ear Aided 20 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 20 dB
Bilateral Aided 20 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 20 dB 15 dB

At four months after initial fitting of the Baha, Sam’s mother reports a “HUGE improvement using two Bahas versus one Baha” and he continues to use two Baha 5 sound processors with his SoundArc daily. After the improvements seen by the family, Sam was moved from a total communication hearing impaired program into a regular public school. Sam’s family reported this school transition has been amongst the biggest issues they have worked through over their first year with Sam. In the new school, Sam is required to use his voice and not depend on sign language for communication. His mom reported ‘second guessing’ their decision to move Sam as they had gone against the advice of his previous school. However, they have seen Sam excel so quickly they are now very proud of their decision. Sam has had a huge improvement in his speech and his family reports that he seems more confident and happy at home also. They also report that at home Sam has begun to initiate conversations with his family independently now.

Thoughts for the Reader

  • For what patients would you consider a bilateral fitting over a unilateral fitting?
  • What families and patients would you consider a SoundArc over a Softband?
  • What are some additional educational or speech considerations needed for patients with delayed access to amplification?
  • When there are slightly poorer aided results at 4000 Hz or otherwise with Softbands or SoundArc, what would be the impact on the child’s speech and language development? How can this be addresses audiologically?
  • At what point would you consider suggesting a surgical option for Sam now that he is over 5 years of age? What clinical and social factors might play into this decision? At what point would you start discussing a surgical option with the family? How would you explain the potential benefits of transitioning to a surgical option to Sam and his family?

Learn more about Cochlear’s bone conduction solutions including the Baha 5 portfolio!

About our guest author: Lisa Christensen, AuD, is the Audiology Program Manager at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas and currently serves as President of the American Academy of Audiology.

In the United States and Canada, the placement of bone-anchored implant is contraindicated in children below the age of 5 years.
Views expressed are those of the individual. Consult your hearing health provider to determine if you are a candidate for Cochlear technology. Outcomes and results may vary. Click here to view more.
©Cochlear Limited 2019. All rights reserved. Hear now. And always and other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of Cochlear Limited or Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions AB. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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©Cochlear Limited 2024. All rights reserved. ACE, Advance Off-Stylet, AOS, Ardium, AutoNRT, Autosensitivity, Baha, Baha SoftWear, BCDrive, Beam, Bring Back the Beat, Button, Carina, Cochlear, 科利耳, コクレア, 코클리어, Cochlear SoftWear, Contour, コントゥア, Contour Advance, Custom Sound, DermaLock, Freedom, Hear now. And always, Hugfit, Human Design, Hybrid, Invisible Hearing, Kanso, LowPro, MET, MP3000, myCochlear, mySmartSound, NRT, Nucleus, Osia, Outcome Focused Fitting, Off-Stylet, Piezo Power, Profile, Slimline, SmartSound, Softip, SoundArc, True Wireless, the elliptical logo, Vistafix, Whisper, WindShield and Xidium are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the Cochlear group of companies. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

 

This material is intended for health professionals. If you are a consumer, please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always read the instructions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.

 

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