Auditory brainstem implant

Overview

An auditory brainstem implant provides a sensation of hearing to some people who are deaf due to auditory nerve damage. An auditory brainstem implant is most commonly offered to adults diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 2. This rare genetic condition causes tumors to grow on nerves. When the auditory nerves are involved, your hearing can be destroyed. Sensors in the auditory brainstem implant bypass the damaged auditory nerves and connect directly to the brainstem to help you detect sounds.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for auditory brainstem implant

• Experience and expertise. Mayo Clinic hearing specialists have special training in auditory brainstem implant surgery. Mayo Clinic is one of only a few medical centers to offer this uncommon treatment for rare types of hearing loss.
• Team approach. Mayo Clinic ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists work together with audiologists, neurologists and neurosurgeons to assess whether an auditory brainstem implant is right for you, to place the implant and to help you learn how to use it.
• Efficient, comprehensive care. Your treatment team will schedule all the necessary testing and doctor's visits for diagnosis and surgery, often within a few days. They will also coordinate your follow-up rehabilitation sessions with the audiologist.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for ear, nose and throat by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., is ranked high performing for ear, nose and throat by U.S. News & World Report.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

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