Listening with our teeth: SoundBite technology

Currently, there are several options available for those who have from hearing loss such as hearing aids to amplify sound, bone-anchored hearing aids for those who have conductive, mixed or unilateral hearing loss, or the cochlear implant for those who have profound or total hearing loss. Aside from the current options available aimed at improving communication for individuals who have hearing loss, there is currently a newer sate-of-the-art technology on the market that aims at improving hearing levels through bone conduction. 

For those who have conductive hearing loss or single-sided deafness, you might consider trying the SoundBite. Conventional hearing aids use air conduction to simply turn up the volume of sound traveling into the ear and require a functional ear. The SoundBite is a bone-conduction device that does not require a functional middle or outer ear to deliver sound (Miller 2010). 

SoundBite technology allows people with unilateral deafness, conductive or mixed hearing loss, to wear an intraoral device and a small microphone in the deaf ear to regain lost hearing.  The SoundBite is a bone conduction prosthetic hearing device that produces the perception of sound by replacing the function of the middle and inner ear. SoundBite technology allows sound to travel through the teeth, through the bones, to the cochlea, while bypassing the middle and inner ear completely (SoundBite Medical 2013). 

The SoundBite hearing system consists of a behind-the-ear microphone unit, which houses the receiver, wireless transmitter, and attached microphone as well as a discrete removable in-the-mouth hearing device (SoundBite Medical 2013). Once sound is captured by the microphone, the digital audio device behind the ear processes the sound and transmits the sound to the removal custom made in-the-mouth hearing device. The mouth piece produces vibrations that are conducted through teeth, through bone, to both cochlea (SoundBiteMedical 2013). 

(SoundBite Medical (2013)

(SoundBite Medical 2013)

In recent studies to determine patient safety and satisfaction with the SoundBite, patients who completed the study reported high rates of auditory benefit in a variety of listening situations, high overall rates of satisfaction with the device, and an overall improvement in communication (Gurgel & Shelton 2013). In one patient, there was a small amount of dental-related soreness, but resolved after a routine dental visit. Another study found that hearing levels improved about 3dB in comparison to not wearing a hearing device (Murray et al. 2011). 

It is clear that there are many options available to those who have hearing loss. The more commonly used devices require surgery and are more expensive. The SoundBite system is a safe and effective, way to improve hearing levels in those who have unilateral deafness, conductive, or mixed hearing loss. 

References:
SoundBite Hearing System Technology for Single Sided Deafness and Conductive Hearing Loss. 2013. Sonitus Medical. Retrieved from: http://www.sonitusmedical.com/product/technology.cfm

Gurkel RK, Shelton C. Nov 2013. The SoundBite hearing system: Patient-assessed safety and benefit study. Division of Otolaryngology. 123(11):2807-12. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23856912

Murray M, Popelka GR, Miller R. Apr 2011. Efficacy and safety of an in-the-mouth bone conduction device for single-sided deafness. Ear Nose and Throat. 32(3):437-43. Retrieved from: 
 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21221045

Miller RJ. It's time we listened with our teeth: the SoundBite hearing system. Nov 2010. Sonitus Medical. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21055609