Beginning in the late 20th century, implantable hearing aids were developed and used as an alternative for individuals who were unable to tolerate conventional hearing aids. Since that time, several devices have been developed, with four currently remaining on the international market (Med-el Vibrant Soundbridge, Envoy Esteem, Ototronix MAXUM, and Cochlear Carina). This review will briefly examine the history of middle ear implant development, describe current available devices, evaluate the benefits and limits of the technology, and consider the future directions of research in the field of implantable hearing aids.
Keywords: Cochlear Carina; Envoy Esteem; MED‐EL vibrant Soundbridge; Ototronix MAXUM; active middle ear implants; implantable hearing aids; middle ear implants; sensorineural hearing loss.
© 2020 The Authors. Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Triological Society.