Treatments: Osia implant for hearing loss

Osia is a device to improve hearing in people with certain types of hearing loss. The system, shown at left, consists of a surgically implantable component (shown in silver) and an external component (shown in black at left). The external piece adheres over the skin to the side of the head by a magnet. This external piece may be removed and replaced easily, and the user may choose one of several available colors

how is osia different from a hearing aid?

The Osia implant sends vibrations through the skull bone to the inner ear (cochlea), which then translates these vibrations into a nerve signal that the brain uses. Traditional hearing aids amplify the wound waves in the air, augmenting the movements of the eardrum and middle ear bones, which themselves transmit vibrations to the inner ear. Essentially, both a traditional hearing aid and an Osia send sound waves to the inner ear, but the Osia bypasses the eardrum and tiny middle ear bones, going instead straight to the inner ear.

for patients deaf in on ear (single sided deafness), which is better, Osia or cochlear implant?

Here is a brochure discussing that issue.

Swimming and watersports may be undertaken with the device in use, provided that the external piece is placed in the provided water-tight case, and the user stays less than 9 1/2 feet depth. Physical exertion and non-contact sports may be undertaken, though a headband is recommended to avoid accidental loss of the external piece. Activities with high impact risk are not recommended with an Osia implant. If an Osia recipient decides to undergo such activities it is recommended they wear a helmet that leaves enough space over the implant site to prevent any external pressure being applied to the implant. Such a helmet may help to reduce impact forces but not fully protect the implant system. The removable external components of the device should not be worn during such activities. If someone were to undertake contact sports, such as soccer for example, the implant company does not guarantee, warrant or promise that the implant and related equipment will continue to function as expected or as it has in the past under such circumstances.

what other surgeons should know when a patient has an osia implant

A patient with an Osia who may undergo another procedure in the head and neck area, whether it be for skin cancer, cervical spine surgery, or brain surgery should inform their surgeon of this. The surgeon needs to know that a certain type of device used to control bleeding, called monopolar electrocautery, may damage the Osia implant if it is used in the head and neck area.

Can a patient convert from a bone anchored hearing aid (baha) to an osia?

Yes, this can be done. The medical indications for BAHA are very similar to those for Osia, so most individuals wishing to change from BAHA to Osia may do so. This requires two separate operations, with the first removing the old BAHA and closing the skin perforation, and about a month later a second procedure to implant the Osia.