Applications

1803 – Implantation of an active middle ear implant (Vibroplasty) for treatment of mixed and conductive hearing loss

Find out about the service or technology in this application and the medical condition it addresses. You can also view the application documents, the deadlines for providing consultation input and the outcome of the application when the MSAC process is complete.

  • Status Pre-assessment
  • Type New application
  • Pre-PASC consultation Open
  • Pre-MSAC consultation -
  • Outcome Pending

Application details

Applicant

MED-EL Implant Systems Australasia Pty Ltd

Reason for application

New Medicare Benefits Schedule item.

Service or technology in this application

The service is for the implantation of an active middle ear implant (Vibroplasty) for the treatment of adults, adolescents and children with mild to moderate mixed or conductive hearing loss. The technology used in the service is the VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE.


The VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE is comprised of two main components:
1. Internal implanted component, the VORP 503, which is coupled to a vibratory structure of the middle ear in a procedure named Vibroplasty; and
2. External audio processor (AP) containing a power source (battery), microphone, and digital signal processor.

The AP is held to the patient's head via magnetic attraction to the implant magnet. The signal from the AP is transmitted to the implant which turns the sound waves into mechanical vibrations that get sent to the cochlea and then to the brain, like in the natural hearing process.

Type: Therapeutic

Medical condition this application addresses

An active middle ear implant is intended for individuals with mild to moderate mixed or conductive hearing loss, who cannot achieve success or adequate benefit from surgical therapy or bone-conduction devices, or cannot wear traditional hearing aids due to medical reasons.

Consultation survey and deadlines

The following consultation deadlines apply:

  • Pre-PASC consultation deadline: Friday 11 July 2025 11:59pm AEDT
  • Pre-MSAC consultation deadline: 

For other ways to provide input, see how to have your say.

We welcome input from everyone. We are especially keen to hear from those with lived experience of the health condition, service or technology the applications are addressing.

Find out more about consultation.

Meetings to consider this application

This application will be considered at the following meetings:

  • PASC meeting: 15 August 2025
  • ESC meeting: 
  • MSAC meeting: 

Find out more about our meetings.

Outcome details

The outcome of this application is pending.

More information

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