Alpha 1 bone-anchored hearing device (made by sophono Inc.).

• Position: MEDICAL DEVICES AND SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS

Boulder

sophono.com

Sophono's Alpha 1 hearing device system is comprised of a bone-anchored magnetic implant placed under the skin behind the ear, and an external audio processor that produces vibrations that travel through the skin and skull to the cochlea, enabling the wearer to hear.

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Traditionally, devices of this sort would be anchored to the skull with a screw. A metal abutment protruded through the scalp. Besides being a cosmetic deal breaker for many prospective patients, this approach required daily anti-infective care and brought on other potential complications such as rejection of the implant.

"With its...