1137 - Middle Ear Implant for Sensorineural, Conductive and Mixed Hearing Losses
Application No. | 1137 |
| Application Title | Middle Ear Implant for Sensorineural, Conductive and Mixed Hearing Losses |
| Description of Procedure or Test | A direct-drive, implantable middle ear hearing prosthesis intended to provide a level of useful sound perception to individuals with hearing loss. The system consists of two major components: 1) the implant, called Vibrating Ossicular Prosthesis, VORP; and 2) the external attachment, called the Audio Processor, AP. The VORP is implanted during a surgical procedure. It consists of the Floating Mass Transducer (FMT), a conductor link, an electronic package and a magnet surrounded by an internal coil. The FMT is surgically attached to a vibratory structure of the ear. When activated, the FMT vibrates in a controlled manner causing the structure of the ear to vibrate. These vibrations are interpreted by the patient as sound. The signal to drive the FMT is transferred through the patient’s skin to the internal coil and then relayed to the FMT. The Audio Processor is applied to the patient’s head after the patient has healed from surgery. It contains a microphone, processing electronics and a battery for power. The Audio Processor is held to the patient’s head by a magnet. The Audio Processor is adjusted by an audiologist, or other trained personnel, so that its output properly drives the FMT. The system is intended to improve hearing acuity in adults who have moderate to severe hearing loss and who cannot wear a standard acoustic hearing aid for medical or physiological reasons. |
| Advisory Panel | Dr Shiong Tan Chair MSAC member ( until 16/02/2010) Associate Professor Kirsty Douglas Deputy Chair MSAC Member Mr Jason Ridgway Audiologist Dr John Malouf Ear Nose and Throat Specialist Dr Christopher Perry Ear Nose and Throat Specialist Associate Professor Melville Da Cruz FRACS Royal Australian College of Surgeons nominee Ms Alexandra Rivers Consumers' Health Forum of Australia nominee |
| Date Received by MSAC Secretariat | 24/11/2008 |
| Stage 1 - Eligibility | 02/02/2009 |
| Stage 2 - Assessment | Completed |
| Stage 3 - Formulation of Advice to the Minister | After considering the strength of the available evidence in relation to the safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the middle ear implant as a treatment for hearing loss, MSAC does not support public funding for middle ear implants. |
| Stage 4 - Decision Noting of MSAC advice by the Minister does not constitute a final decision in relation to the provision of public funding. | MSAC considered this assessment on 29-30 July 2010 The Minister noted MSAC's advice 18 October 2010 |
| Stage 5 - Implementation |  |
Page currency, Latest update: 10 January, 2011
