Hearing Aids as Prosthetics: Restoring Lost Hearing & Quality of Life

Hearing aids take many forms, from dime size implants, wire implants with magnets and bone anchored hearing aids, to behind-the-ear and in-the-ear styles that have been around since the early 20th century. In the 21st century, hearing aids are finally being recognized as medical devices. Like a prosthesis, a hearing aid restores something missing, something lost, and something that is necessary for your quality of life.

Definition

• Hearing aids are designed to replace lost hearing ability--prosthetic by nature, yes; by definition, no. A prosthesis by definition is a replacement body part, limb or eye; not a sense. Hearing is considered one of the five senses.

Function

• Prosthetic devices have seen great advancements, including moving limbs, eyes that function and genuine looking ears. Although a hearing aid is a device used for the medical treatment of hearing loss, it̵7;s not considered a prosthetic device.

Solution

• A more appropriate definition, as the name suggests, is an aid for hearing. Whether worn on the outside or implanted, a hearing aid aids its user by providing sound and speech signals to the brain.

Benefits

• A prosthetic ear is not considered a hearing aid. However, if you̵7;re missing your outer ear, having it replaced could restore some of your hearing. The outer ear is used to pick up and funnel in sound waves. Ear lobe reconstruction is considered a form of ear prosthesis.

Expert Insight

• Full ear prosthetics are attached by adhesive or anchored to your skull bone. The Craniofacial Center at The University of Illinois Medical Center has had success with bone anchored ear prosthetics. The prosthesis attaches to a screw style base implanted into the skull bone. A bone anchored prosthesis lasts longer, causes less irritation, looks more realistic and is easier to keep clean.