Implanted magnet helps restore hearing.Implanted magnet helps restore hearing A hearing device that includes a tiny magnet implanted in the skull behind the ear has been cleared for marketing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, manufacturers of the device announced in September. Designed to help people with a type of hearing impairment hearing impairment n. A reduction or defect in the ability to perceive sound. called conductive hearing loss Conductive hearing loss A type of medically treatable hearing loss in which the inner ear is usually normal, but there are specific problems in the middle or outer ears that prevent sound from getting to the inner ear in a normal way. , the device's external, detachable de·tach tr.v. de·tached, de·tach·ing, de·tach·es 1. To separate or unfasten; disconnect: detach a check from the checkbook; detach burs from one's coat. 2. sound-processing portion is held in place by the magnet. It converts sound into vibrations in much the same way as other hearing aids Hearing Aids Definition A hearing aid is a device that can amplify sound waves in order to help a deaf or hard-of-hearing person hear sounds more clearly. , but can transmit those vibrations directly to the magnet and then to the inner ear for a clearer sound, say scientists. Manufactured by Xomed Inc. of Jacksonville, Fla., the device will not help the majority of hearing-impaired people, since conductive hearing loss--caused by infection or other malfunction mal·func·tion v. 1. To fail to function. 2. To function improperly. n. 1. Failure to function. 2. Faulty or abnormal functioning. of the middle ear--accounts for no more than 20 percent of those with hearing problems and often is corrected by surgery, says Xomed Vice-President Donald R. Bruce. But it may help many unimproved by surgery and those plagued by persistent ear infections, because it leaves the ear free to drain. |
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