In this section
What is the Bone conduction hearing devices and middle ear implant service?
The Bone conduction hearing devices and middle ear implant team manages adult patients.
We offer a full range of bone conduction and middle ear implants and we work closely with the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) department to deliver this service.
Who is it for?
Our team cares for people with hearing loss who have a medical reason why they cannot wear a conventional air conduction hearing aid:
This may be due to problems with recurrent ear infections or allergic reactions to conventional hearing aids, or problems with the shape, size or development of the ear from birth.
We also care for people who have hearing in only one ear (unilateral profound hearing loss).
Our team manages prospective adult candidates as well as current users of these devices.
What service is provided?
Our specialist team provides:
- diagnosis, assessment and rehabilitation
- surgical and non-surgical options to help patients with their hearing
- ongoing support and review
- support for adults who have additional needs
Some of the most commonly discussed options include
- Bone Conduction Hearing Devices. These are specialist hearing aids. Some are held onto the head with magnets and some have a connector through the skin. Some patients prefer to wear the sound processor attached to a headband. Bone conduction hearing devices worn on a headband are provided to patients on loan as part of the assessment. This allows you to see the benefit of the device in your everyday listening situations.
- Middle Ear Implants (MEIs). These are specialised hearing aids that require a device to be placed within the middle ear and a hearing aid processor attaches to the scalp via a magnet.
- CROS hearing aids. This is an abbreviation for ‘Contralateral Routing Of Sound’. Two hearing aids are worn. One picks up sounds with a microphone behind the ear which is not working. It then transmits the sound to a hearing aid in the better-hearing ear wirelessly. Again, these can be fitted and worn at home to allow patients to evaluate their benefit in everyday listening situations.
More information about these different types of devices which are commissioned by the NHS is given here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hearing-aids-and-implants/
How can I get an appointment?
We accept referrals from a number of different routes including ENT, and Audiologists.
Patients who already have a device and need a further appointment can contact the department in one of the following ways
By email – please include your name and date of birth
(Checked between 8.30 am – 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday)
By post
Bone Conduction and Middle Ear Hearing implant team
Audiology (Hearing and Balance) Centre
Peter Mount Building
Manchester Royal Infirmary
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9WL
By phone
(0161) 276 4613
This number is available 8.30 am – 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday. You may be asked to leave a voice message.
What will happen when I have my initial appointments?
You will need to attend a number of appointments as part of assessment processor
An initial appointment (90 minutes to two hours). The appointment will include general questions about your hearing and listening difficulties. During this assessment you may also;
- Have a full hearing test
- Undergo some speech testing (where you will listen to words and repeat what you hear) with and without a device (where applicable).
- Be provided with visual and written information about semi-implantable devices which may be suitable for you. If you are suitable for a MEI or a BCHD the whole process including the surgery and after care program will be explained in detail.
- Be loaned a device for a shot period of time, if you are suitable for a wireless CROS and/or BAHA, so you can evaluate its benefit in your everyday listening situations.
Second appointment – follow-up (60 minutes) at this appointment you will feed back on your experiences of the device you have been loaned. And deciding on how you wish to proceed. If you wish to have a MEI or BCHD you will be referred ENT clinic, where you will be seen by the ENT surgeon.