28. April 2022

ERCD scientists Prof. Zahnert and Prof. Neudert join international expert panel in consensus statement on active implants for hearing loss

The new Consensus Statement on Bone Conduction Devices and Active Middle Ear Implants in Conductive and Mixed Hearing Loss takes into account the positions and experience of ENT specialists, audiologists, health-policy scientists, and hearing tech companies. For the first time, this provides a framework for procedures and technical characterization to enhance effective communication between these stakeholders - a big step towards improving health care in the field.

Nowadays, several options are available to treat patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss. Whenever surgical intervention is not possible or contra-indicated, and amplification by a conventional hearing device (e.g., behind-the-ear device) is not feasible, then implantable hearing devices are an indispensable next option. Implantable bone-conduction devices and middle-ear implants have advantages but also limitations concerning complexity/invasiveness of the surgery, medical complications, and effectiveness. To counsel the patient, the clinician should have a good overview of the options with regard to safety and reliability as well as unequivocal technical performance data. The present consensus document is the outcome of an extensive iterative process including ENT specialists, audiologists, health-policy scientists, and representatives/technicians of the main companies in this field. This document should provide a first framework for procedures and technical characterization to enhance effective communication between these stakeholders, improving health care.

Full text is available as PDF here.