MED-EL · Middle Ear Implants
VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE
An active middle ear implant that delivers clear, powerful sound directly into the ear, with nothing in the ear canal.
Key features
- For mild-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss, and conductive or mixed hearing loss
- For adults and children from 5 years
- Nothing in the ear canal, which helps avoid the ear problems some hearing aid users have
- Strong, clear sound without feedback
- A tiny Floating Mass Transducer vibrates the structures of the middle ear directly
- Works with the SAMBA 2 audio processor; every new processor works with every SOUNDBRIDGE implant
- Latest implant: MRI at 1.5 Tesla without surgery, with MED-EL's lifelong MRI guarantee
- Up to 73% better hearing in children (MED-EL post-market study, 2017)
VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE is MED-EL’s active middle ear implant, and the most widely used system of its kind. It is designed for people who get little benefit from hearing aids, or who cannot wear them for medical reasons.
How it works
The SAMBA 2 audio processor picks up sound and sends it to the implant. A tiny Floating Mass Transducer, smaller than a grain of rice, turns the sound into mechanical vibrations and moves the structures of the middle ear directly. The vibrations reach the cochlea and travel to the brain as sound. This direct-drive approach does not require surgical changes to the middle ear.
Why people choose it
- Nothing sits in the ear canal, which avoids the blocked feeling and ear infections some hearing aid users experience.
- Sound is strong and clear, without the whistling feedback of some hearing aids.
- Every new SAMBA processor is designed to work with every SOUNDBRIDGE implant, so you can upgrade without surgery.
What to expect
- Assessment: hearing tests and a medical review confirm suitability.
- Surgery: usually 1 to 2 hours under general anaesthesia. Most people are up and about the next day.
- Activation: the processor is fitted a few weeks after surgery. A hearing aid can be used in the meantime.
Technical data
| Implant | VORP 503 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.6 g |
| Materials | Titanium, medical-grade silicone and epoxy |
| MRI | MR Conditional at 1.5 Tesla |
| Couplers | Incus-SP, Incus-LP, RW-Soft, Vibroplasty-CliP, Stapes-SH |
Specifications
- Brand
- MED-EL
- Type
- Active middle ear implant
- Battery
- SAMBA 2: one 675 zinc-air battery, about 8 to 10 days
- Water resistance
- SAMBA 2: IP54; IP68 with WaterWear
- Connectivity
- Through SAMBA 2 GO and the SAMBA 2 Remote app
- Suitable for
- Adults and children from 5 years with mild-to-severe sensorineural, conductive or mixed hearing loss
- Compatible with
- SAMBA 2 audio processor