Combined hearing loss is an essential indication for implantable hearing systems. Depending on the bone conduction threshold, various options are available. Patients with mild sensorineural deafness usually benefit from transcutaneous bone conduction implants (BCI), while percutaneous BCI systems are recommended also for moderate hearing loss. For combined hearing losses with moderate and high-grade cochlear hearing loss, active middle ear implants are recommended. For patients with incompatibilities or middle ear surgery, implants are a valuable and proven addition to the therapeutic options.
Keywords: active middle ear implant; active percutaneous systems; active transcutaneous systems; bone conduction implants; fully implantable systems; hearing disorder; hearing loss; middle ear implant; partially implantable systems; passive systems.