Implantable bone conduction hearing systems.

Implantable bone conduction hearing systems are intended for patients with a conductive or mixed hearing loss, in whom other treatment options do not provide sufficient benefits or are contraindicated. In general, they are called BAHDs (bone-anchored hearing devices) and they transform acoustic energy into vibrations transferred by a titanium implant through cranial bones to cochlea and fluids of the inner ear. The implantable bone conduction hearing systems are classified as passive and active based on the location of the vibration unit. The review describes the basic types of passive systems, their advantages and disadvantages. Special attention is paid to the Bonebridge active bone conduction system which represents a state-of-the-art, efficient and patient-friendly treatment method that removes the disadvantages of passive implantable systems.