Auditory Brainstem Implant

About

Auditory brainstem implantation 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 implant bypass the damaged auditory nerves and connect directly to the brainstem to help you detect sounds.

How it works

Auditory brainstem implants have three main parts:

• A tiny microphone positioned by the ear to pick up sounds
• A decoding chip placed under the skin to transmit information picked up by the microphone
• Electrodes connected directly to the brainstem that, when stimulated, alert you to sound

Surgery and therapy

The surgery is often performed at the same time tumors are removed from the auditory nerves. After surgery, you will need multiple sessions with an audiologist to adjust the sound processor and learn how to use and interpret the signals. This process can take many months. You will typically see an audiologist every two to four months the first year, and annually thereafter.

An auditory brainstem implant doesn't restore normal hearing, but it helps most people distinguish sounds such as telephone rings and car horns. Some people get good word recognition, while others get more general sound cues. In combination with lip reading, the cues can improve your communication with others.