Dental Hearing Aid Approved In Europe

About 250 million people worldwide -- over 4 percent of the world's population -- suffer from hearing impairment. And according to the Deaf Action Center, only 5 million out of 25 million people in the U.S. who need a hearing aid actually use one.

Why the discrepancy? Could be that many shy away from the stigma of having a hearing aid, or are ashamed to call attention to their impairment. Well, a new invention could make a difference.

A hearing aid that transmits sound via your teeth has just been approved in Europe, reports the BBC. (The U.S. Federal Drug Administration approved it back in January).

The device, called SoundBite, is primarily designed for people who are deaf in one ear. It attaches to the upper molars (left or right) and once in place is barely visible. However, the typical hearing-aid look isn't completely tossed aside; the device on your teeth "communicates" with a small microphone in your ear. The small ear mic picks up sound from your surroundings and transmits them wirelessly back to the device in your mouth, providing the ability to hear spatially.

How is this different?

Typical hearing aids use air conduction, a method that employs the middle and outer ear to increase sound volume. The dental hearing aid uses bone conduction, an entirely different approach that directs sound vibrations from the bones in the skull to the inner ear. Bone conduction is believed to effectively simulate the natural hearing experience that takes place in the ear.

While most people looking for a basic hearing aid won't need the SoundBite, notes Engadget, the device may be a boon for those essentially deaf in one ear looking to regain their spatial hearing ability without wanting to undergo surgery.

Comments

[NewmanKitten]

10:47 PM on 03/26/2011

Mr. Newmankitten has had a new hearing aid for 3 months now, the kind that's tiny with an itty bitty wire from the completely inconspicuous behind the ear piece to the little thing actually in his ear. It's AWESOME. He no longer has any qualms about wearing it, and usually shows it off...which is a little off-putting, but better than him not having it at all:)

Peace again reigns in this house.

[ontariogirl]

09:07 AM on 03/27/2011

Makes a huge difference. Over the winter I lost one. They are soooo tiny. I found it when a foot of snow melted over the course of one day. It was on my lawn. I couldn't believe it. Of course it was toast but it made me feel like good things were going to come my way. Next day......two feet of snow on that green grass. Good......well not so sure but that's life.

[separatingwheatfromchaff]

11:13 AM on 03/26/2011

Does this mean you have to walk around with your mouth open wide to hear?Seems like insects could be a very real nuisance,winter cold would probably hurt your teeth,but at least you'd be able to hear yourself moaning in pain : )

[enkidu360]

03:05 AM on 04/12/2011

the aerticle clearly states that the mic is n the inner ear and works via bone conduction in the skull. the mic is not in the mouth.

[ontariogirl]

08:29 PM on 03/24/2011

Eating chips must be excruciating.

[NewmanKitten]

10:47 PM on 03/26/2011

Can you imagine a bowl of Grape Nuts? Argh.

[ontariogirl]

09:05 AM on 03/27/2011

Ouch! Or Kashi Go Lean Crunch. :) Your kitty is so cute.

[Paul Tenaglia]

03:29 PM on 03/23/2011

Only 5 million in 25 million use a hearing aid? There's no great mystery: the things are astronomically expensive! A friend of mine got a pair recently, costing $1500 a piece! Until the prices drop, few will be able to afford them.

[leftgranma]

12:44 AM on 03/25/2011

I had the same thought as I was reading the article. Mine were about $2000 each and that was about 5 years ago. I waited about 10 years before I gave in and spent the money.

[separatingwheatfromchaff]

11:04 AM on 03/26/2011

I'm in need of a hearing aid and refuse to pay through the nose for a technology that's been around for decades.I've never researched the how or why the industry has a lock on the technology,but judging by the technology of LED televisions costing upwards of $2K and now a few years later starting around 200 bucks,I'd say hearing aids are a ripoff of immense proportion.My hearing isn't terrible or I would have given in years ago too.
This story is a primer on the American health care system and the people/corporations that are running it that are more interested in profit than helping their fellow man.

[revamk]

05:44 PM on 03/28/2011

"until the prices drop" I don't think that's going to happen. They've always cost a ridiculous amount of money. I need one and can't afford it, so I just go around asking people to talk louder.

[Dave Harrison]

04:09 AM on 03/23/2011

I have had an hearing implant for 5 years, not this one but from here. http://www.envoymedical.com/
It is amazing to hear again! I was part of the FDA clinical trail that lasted 3 years. Check it out, cool stuff.

[Texas Blue]

09:34 PM on 03/24/2011

Generally, the cost of the device itself, the implant procedure (including the cost of the implanting surgeon and his or her staff, the surgical facility, and the administration of general anesthesia), and the necessary return visits for turning on and programming the device to fit your unique needs will be approximately $30,000.

$30K?????

[Dave Harrison]

10:16 AM on 03/25/2011

Yes $30K. Mine was $0 for being in the trial. It was a long process with 24 hours of testing before the operation and 2 months before activation, then 4 trips back to adjust. I live 2.5 hours away from the implant site. Batteries/processor last about 9 years before a $2000 replacement. It comes with a remote to turn the volume up, down or off and to change programs for the setting you are in. It was worth every trip back and forth.

[enkidu360]

03:07 AM on 04/12/2011

or you can always find a used one from a deceased person and install it yourself

[nfatt1]

10:51 PM on 03/22/2011

Lucille Ball was correct. She once claimed that after having a new filling, she could hear the radio as she passed by a transmitter.

[rikster]

08:49 PM on 03/22/2011

can you say that closer to my mouth.....

[CBSTalkRadio]

02:13 PM on 03/22/2011

It's so amazing to see innovation at work. Imagine how many people will benefit from advancing technology. My guess is they'll use the device, begin to really 'hear' what's going on in the world and then stop and say, "WHAT the HECK?" Next step, out comes the hearing aid.