FDA Approves New Implanted Hearing Device

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new type of surgically implanted hearing device intended to help adults with moderate to severe nerve hearing loss. The device, the first of its kind, is an alternative to traditional hearing aids. Made by Symphonix Inc., of San Jose, Calif., the device is implanted behind the ear in the temporal bone. It takes sound and converts it to mechanical energy that is directly transferred to the middle ear. The energy vibrates in the middle ear, a process similar to normal sound. For more information visit www.fda.gov.