WashU docs among first to implant BONEBRIDGE for patients with hearing loss

Washington University ENT surgeons are the first in the region to implant the new BONEBRIDGE Hearing Implant System in patients with hearing loss and single–sided deafness.

The BONEBRIDGE by Med–El is an innovative bone conduction implant that transmits sound waves via the cranial bone directly to the inner ear, where they are perceived as natural sound. The implant is said to be the world’s first bone conduction implant that is completely invisible under the intact skin. In contrast to other bone conduction systems, this minimizes the risk of skin irritations, and the direct stimulation of the bone achieves optimal sound transmission results.

BONEBRIDGE consists of two components, the internal implant and an audio processor, called the SAMBA, which can be worn discretely beneath the hair. The FDA approved the BONEBRIDGE late last year.

The first implants in the region were done by Drs. Craig Buchman, Jonathan McJunkin and Cameron Wick. Our otolaryngologists report that the patients are more than satisfied with the result.

“Previous iterations of bone conduction implants such as the bone anchored hearing aid require an abutment that protrudes through the skin while the Bonebridge does not,” said Dr. McJunkin. “We anticipate fewer skin complications with equivalent audiologic performance.”

To see if you qualify as a BONEBRIDGE candidate, call us for an appointment at 314-362-7509.