An external coil, about the size of a quarter, sends a signal through the skin to an internal portion. The internal portion consists of a receiver, which picks up the signal and sends it to the middle ear transducer. The transducer in turn directly vibrates the ossicles. The transducer connects directly to the incus housed in the middle ear as shown in Figure 3. What Type of Surgery is Required Surgery to implant the device requires an incision behind the ear.
Further dissection allows access to the middle ear.
A laser is then used to create a small dimple in the incus. The implant's probe tip is inserted into this dimple and allowed to heal in place. This healing process takes eight weeks or more. A clinical study is being conducted at three internationally known research institutions in the United States. The purpose is to determine the benefit of the MET Ossicular Stimulator and compare it to a modern air conduction hearing aid.