Coupling the Vibrant Soundbridge to Cochlea Round Window

Abstract

A middle ear implant capable of directly driving the cochlear fluids seems to be a promising alternative for individuals with a severe to profound mixed hearing loss. However, variability in hearing recovery is great, likely reflecting variability in responsiveness of the cochlea associated with chronic pathologic findings and, possibly, variability in how the VBS effector interfaces with the RW. Modifying the shape of the VBS effector can improve the mechanical coupling to the RW to better exploit the device's amplification power.