Is RetroX® for You?
Indications for the RetroX®
TheRetroX® was developed to treat high frequency hearing loss in patients whose hearing loss falls within the blue area shown in the pure tone audiogram (inset).
Treatment with the RetroX® is in many cases successful even when treatment with a conventional hearing aid has proved impossible or when the patient has refused to use one.
This is also valid for the following cases:
- Patient with seborrhoic or allergic reactions to an otoplastic
- Patient who has a chronic middle ear condition and where, therefore, a suppurating outer ear canal can be expected due to its closing
- Patient has refused to wear a conventional hearing aid because of occlusion or fear of social stigmatization
RetroX® may not be the best solution if:
- There is a fluctuating hearing threshold
- The diameter of the outer ear canal is too small
- There is a skin condition in the outer ear canal area
- There is an ear condition with chronic discharge
- The patient suffers from keloids
- The patient has unrealistic expectations concerning the treatment
RetroX® Simulation
RetroX® Simulation allows the wearer to immediately experience the potential acoustical benefit of the RetroX® hearing system.
The RetroX® Simulator is built with the exact same circuitry as the RetroX® and is designed to simulate the sound of the RetroX®.
Simulation allows the patient to experience the approximate benefit that a RetroX® will provide. The Simulator is programmed as if it were a RetroX® and is worn like a BTE.
Prospective RetroX® customers should experience a RetroX® Simulation prior to the functional piercing to confirm suitability.
Patients can immediately experience the potential benefits of the RetroX® hearing system. RetroX® Simulation.
The surgical Procedure
Your ENT Doctor will inform you about the conditions for implanting a titanium tube. The implantation can be done in an outpatient procedure in just a few minutes. After local anesthesia, a skin incision is made behind the ear. Then, the titanium tube is introduced from behind the ear with a special tool.
This surgical procedure is performed by an ENT specialist who also provides the aftercare. Adjusting and setting the hearing aid is done in cooperation with an audiologist or hearing aid specialist approximately a month after the tube has been implanted.
The Titanium Tube System
The titanium tube system floats freely, much like a "functional body piercing" in a retroauricular position, in the soft tissue parts of the outer ear. It connects the retroauricular space with the outer ear canal.
The titanium tube system consists of the implant and the sound outlet head. The latter is connected to the implant in the outer ear canal.
