Fully Implantable Hearing System (FIHS)

[IMBack]

Scale model prototype micro-actuators have been tested by two independent laboratories, with outstanding results. Surgical tools have been developed and patented, and surgical techniques have been developed, tested and refined on over 100 cadaver temporal bones

We believe the OtoKinetics Krescendo will be highly effective for a wide range of losses

OtoKinetics will commercialize Krescendo, a device that we believe

I don't think I would be holding my breath.. Their web site seems more about wishing and hoping then actual fact.

[IMBack]

if you go to their web site you can watch a video.. again they don't seem to have any facts posted just marketing hype.

IF they actually ever come to market they are going to be a every expensive option. Device, ENT, Hospital, etc.. $50K wouldn't surprise me.

[jljones1]

Hi Andrew. I sent a few questions to the Otokinetics company via their website (there's a "Contact Us" section). The CEO promptly responded both times. Try sending them any questions you have about the device. As far as the cost, per their website, their device is supposed to be less costly than current middle ear implants. Hopefully that'll be true.

The last I heard from them is that they are finishing up with animal safety studies which have gone well. Next will be human clinical trials due to start early next year.

Hope this helps.

[Ski-Slope]

Originally Posted by Andrew

But, isn't the Otokinetics implant starting clinical trials in early 2013?


I heard that it's not a middle ear implant. Instead, it directly moves the cochlear fluids in the cochlea. Does cochlear implants move the cochlear fluids in the cochlea? Does anybody know?


I'm very intrigued by these implants. Please pitch in, experts.

Middle Ear Implants bypass the eardrum and drive the ossicular chain (tiny bones connecting the eardrum to the cochlea) using either magnets or piezoelectric drivers. Cochlear implants insert a series of electrodes into the cochlea, sending electrical impulses directly to the eighth cranial nerve. As a side-effect, existing hair cells in the cochlea are usually destroyed during implantation.

The Krescendo appears to be something in between the 2. If the device is anchored to the wall of the cochlea, directly moving the cochlear fluids, it is still relying on the hair cells inside your cochlea. If you are profoundly deaf and these hair cells are functionally dead, no amount of movement of the cochlear fluids will register. Therefore, I am skeptical that this device will be able to address truly profound (100+ dB) hearing loss.

This product is a long way from the market. They *hope* to have phase 1 clinical trials in 2013. I fail to see how this surgery would be less invasive or less expensive than a middle ear implantation. At this point, you might be better off exploring products which are currently available, rather than holding out hope that this will be ready for you in a few years.

[edlawson]

I too have been on the Otokinetics website and emailed the company with a prompt response from the CEO. We are living in exciting times for the hearing impaired, with improvements in hearing aids, middle ear implant technology, the Krescendo product, and improving CI's. I am strongly considering the Esteem in 3-4 years if and only if some improvements are made in battery life and overall success rates (some have NOT had the satisfactory results which are generally 5-10 db improvement over hearing aids). Esteem is currently 35k. Would I pay this to have 5-10 db gain and totally implantable system....you bet. Would I pay more for something better, most definitely. I am concerned that the Otokinetics product may turn out to be less than we hope and I welcome more input from anyone more knowledgable on the concept of a transducer moving cochlear fluid. Ski Slope makes a good point re. the efficacy of moving fluid if the hair cells are damaged...don't know the answer to that.

[hearlink]

Cochlear Implants is an easy and useful hearing solution for adults and children