Middle ear implants

Our middle ear implants provide an invisible connection to the world of sound – and to the people and life you love.

Middle ear implant recipient Alexandre riding a bicycle

What you'll find on this page

  • How middle ear implants work.
  • One person's story about hearing with a middle ear implant.
  • An overview of the Cochlear™ Carina® System.

An option to hearing aids

Hearing aids don't work for everyone. Some people find them uncomfortable or simply too much hassle.3

Others feel hearing aids restrict them from doing the things they love or they don't like wearing something that discloses their hearing loss.

If any of these sound like you, a middle ear implant may be the answer.

"Professionally, I can talk to 20 or 30 people and I can hear when I am asked a question. Also in sports, I can swim. I can cycle and I can use a helmet. I can hear normally, which means I can detect any signs of danger."*¹

- Alexandre, Cochlear™ Carina® recipient

Who do middle ear implants help?

These implants may be appropriate for adults with moderate to severe sensorineural or mixed hearing loss, who want a hearing solution that provides two ways to hear – in invisible mode or with a Button(R) processor. 

When used in invisible mode, because everything is under the skin, people can't see the middle ear implant. You don't need to take it off to have a shower, go swimming or go to bed*.

How do middle ear implants work?

Middle ear implants such as the Cochlear™ Carina® System attach directly to the structures of the middle ear.

With the Carina System you may:

  • experience less annoying interference than with hearing aids, with fewer whistles and high-pitched noises 1, 2
  • hear more clearly and take in what people say, even in challenging windy environments 1, 2
  • hear as well as with hearing aids in noisy and quiet environments 1, 2
  • feel satisfied with your choice of hearing solution over a hearing aid. 3

Can a middle ear implant help me or my child?

A hearing health professional who specialises in all hearing technology – including implantable hearing solutions – can tell you if you or your child could benefit from a middle ear implant.


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Your guide to a middle ear implants.

Middle ear implants

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Disclaimer

Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always follow the directions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.

For a full list of Cochlear’s trademarks, please visit our Terms of Use page.

*1 Views expressed are those of the individual. Consult your health professional to determine if you are a candidate for Cochlear technology.

*The Carina system may, if required, be switched off or back on by an external remote control.

References

  1. Uhler K, Anderson MC, Jenkins HA. Long-Term Outcome Data in Patients following One Year's Use of a Fully Implantable Active Middle Ear Implant. AudiolNeurootol. 2016;21(2):105-12. Epub2016 Apr 1.
  2. Jenkins HA, Atkins JS, HorlbeckD, Hoffer ME, BaloughB, AlexiadesG, GarvisW. Otologics fully implantable hearing system: Phase I trial 1-year results. Otol Neurotol. 2008 Jun;29(4):534-41.
  3. McCormack A., Fortnum H., Why do people fitted with hearing aids not wear them? Int J Audiol., 2013 May; 52(5): 360-368