Electric-acoustic stimulation of the auditory system - New technology for severe hearing loss

Various devices have been developed to overcome the widespread phenomenon o f different degrees of hearing deficits between mild and profound hearing l oss. Basically, we differentiate between acoustic stimulation (hearing aids ), restricted to cases with a partially functioning cochlear receptor, and electrical stimulation (cochlear implants), stimulating the auditory nerve directly in cases with profound or total hearing loss. For the first time, animal data have been collected that indicate the possibility of nearly int erference-free use of both stimulation types simultaneously. In addition, w e have gathered the first clinical patient experience, which confirms the e ncouraging results. Future implications for patients with severe high-frequ ency hearing loss are discussed.