Topics
What is an auditory brainstem implant?
Who is an ideal candidate for an auditory brainstem implant?
How does an auditory brainstem implant work?
What are the risks associated with auditory brainstem implant surgery?
What kind of results can I expect from an auditory brainstem implant?
Can auditory brainstem implant surgery be reversed?
Where can I find more information?
What is an auditory brainstem implant?
An auditory brainstem implant is an electronic device that is used to restore some degree of hearing if you are profoundly deaf. It is placed surgically into an area of your brainstem called the lateral recess. This is different than a cochlear implant; a cochlear implant is placed into your ear, while an auditory brainstem implant is placed in your brainstem (the area where your spinal cord connects to the lower part of your brain).
Who is an ideal candidate for an auditory brainstem implant?
You must be at least 18 years old and suffer from neurofibromatosis type II to be considered for auditory brainstem implant surgery.
There are other rare diseases that can be treated with an auditory brainstem implant. You should discuss these with your neurosurgeon or your ear, nose, and throat specialist.
Neurofibromatosis type II is an uncommon genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on the nerves in your body. The hallmark of this disease is bilateral acoustic neuromas. These tumors can cause hearing loss if they displace or put pressure on the auditory nerve.
How does an auditory brainstem implant work?
The device has three main parts that combine to alert you to sound:
- A very small microphone that is placed near your ear to register sound waves
- A computer chip that is placed under your skin that decodes the sound signals recorded by the microphone
- Electrodes that are placed on your brainstem. These tiny electrical contacts are stimulated when the microphone registers certain sounds, alerting you to their presence
What are the risks associated with auditory brainstem implant surgery?
Implanting an auditory brainstem device requires brain surgery and, more specifically, skull base surgery. This area of your head contains many small structures that complicate the operation. In addition, your brain stem is an especially delicate and vital area of your brain.
It is important that you ask frank and honest questions of your neurosurgeon before electing to have this surgery. Your neurosurgeon will be able to explain the risks and rewards of the procedure after having thoroughly reviewed your medical history. If you would like to find out how you can schedule a consultation with a Barrow specialist, contact us.
What kind of results can I expect from an auditory brainstem implant?
An auditory brainstem implant will not return your hearing to normal in most instances. Rather, it will allow you to detect broad audio cues, like a door slamming or a ringing telephone. Results vary, however, and 16% of people who have received an auditory brainstem implant are able to understand the spoken voice without the assistance of lip reading.
You will need to work with an audiologist, who will program your implant and teach you how to recognize and interpret the signals. This process takes months or even up to a year to complete, but does not require any additional surgeries. It does, however, require a mentally strong, motivated, and actively participating patient.
Again, results vary for each patient. You may find that your ability to recognize words and speech is relatively good after working with your audiologist, or you may need to develop a synergy between your lip reading skills and the audio cues delivered by the implant to understand what others are saying.
Can auditory brainstem implant surgery be reversed?
Your auditory brainstem implant can be removed if necessary, but the need for surgical removal exceedingly rare.
Contact Us
For more information or to see how you can schedule a consultation with a Barrow acoustic neuroma specialist, please call
1-800-BARROW1 (227-7691)
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(602) 406-6281
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