Cleveland Clinic has released its annual Top 10 Medical Innovations, a list that answers the question: “What game-changing medical technology, device, or therapy do you see breaking through in 2010?” At the top of the list is SoundBite, a bone conduction hearing system from Sonitus Medical, a firm out of San Mateo, California, that may bring some serious competition to the bone conduction hearing aid market, specifically for people suffering for a single sided deafness. Currently awaiting FDA approval, the system uses teeth as a sound conducting medium, instead of a cranium where cochlear aids are being typically implanted nowadays. Being much less conspicuous, the system should be a popular choice if it gets regulatory approval.
Merging the well-known principles of bone conduction together with advanced wireless and sound processing technology, SoundBite is the world’s first non-surgical and removable bone conduction hearing system, which is designed to transmit sound via the teeth. The SoundBite hearing system consists of both a behind the ear device, housing the receiver, wireless transmitter, and attached microphone, and a discreet, removable, custom-fit retainer-like device. An inductive charger unit is provided to charge the behind the ear device and retainer.
SoundBite is designed to detect sounds using a small microphone placed within the open ear canal of the impaired ear. The nearly invisible, thin tube microphone is attached to the transmitter unit worn behind the ear. This microphone placement in the pinna or outer ear is intended to allow the SoundBite hearing system to capitalize on the natural acoustic ability of the outer ear to capture and direct sound into the open ear. SoundBite system hearing is intended to provide clear, high fidelity sound and is designed to restore normal hearing to patients.
From the microphone, SoundBite hearing system will receive sound in the transmitter unit worn behind the ear. This nearly invisible, digital audio device wirelessly transmits sound to the removable dental retainer-like device, which is custom fitted by a partner dentist for optimal comfort and function. The retainer uses advanced technology and specialized electronics to produce imperceptible vibrations that are conducted via the teeth and bones, to the both cochleae. No surgery is required.
Press release: Sonitus Medical Technology Ranks #1 on Cleveland Clinic’s ‘Top 10’ Medical Innovations for 2010…
Product page: SoundBite hearing system…
Cleveland Clinic: Top 10 Medical Innovations for 2010…
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