COMBI 40+ ABI Auditory Brainstem Implant - Med-El

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COMBI 40+ ABI
Auditory Brainstem Implant
The COMBI 40+ Auditory Brainstem
Implant (ABI) is a highly advanced
technological system for individuals
with hearing loss due to a
nonfunctional auditory nerve, such as
in cases of Neurofibromatosis Type 2
(NF2). Bypassing the inner ear and
auditory nerve, the COMBI 40+ ABI
allows high-rate stimulation of the
cochlear nucleus (CN) and can
provide recipients a variety
of sound sensations.
N e u ro f i b ro m a t o s i s
Type 2 (NF2)
Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2), also known
as Bilateral Acoustic NF (BAN), is a rare
genetic disorder that affects approximately 1
in 40,000 individuals. NF2 can either be
inherited or occur spontaneously without any
apparent familial history. The gene defect was
isolated in 1993 to the merlin tumor
suppressor area of chromosome 22. NF2 is
characterized by non-malignant tumor growth,
primarily in the brain and spinal cord. A
hallmark of NF2 is the presence of bilateral
acoustic neuromas, which originate in the
vestibular nerve and often invade the adjacent
auditory nerve, causing progressive hearing
loss and ultimately deafness. Auditory
Brainstem Implants stimulate the cochlear
nucleus (CN) and have the potential to
provide NF2 patients hearing sensations that
assist with sound awareness and
communication.
• implant housing
containing implant circuitry
and a powerful microchip
• active electrode array
placed on the cochlear nucleus
during implantation