Lily & Kenzie, Pediatric Bone Conduction Implant Review

”…with my old hearing aid I could hear 3 inches and with my Bonebridge I can hear 100 inches!”

Lily and Kenzie are research participants in a study evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the MED-EL BONEBRIDGE system in children implanted under 12 years of age. The BONEBRIDGE system is a treatment option for patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss, and consists of an implanted internal bone conduction device and an external sound processor, called a Samba 2. Below, they share their experiences in research, alongside their mom, Jill.

Lily:

“I like that I can change the cover on my Bonebridge and it’s magnetic. It helps me at school by helping me hear what the teacher is saying and I can hear her through my Samba.”

Kenzie:

“I know that hearing isn’t measured in inches with a ruler, but if it was, with my old hearing aid I could hear 3 inches and with my Bonebridge I can hear 100 inches! It has different cool covers and it just pops right on my head and stays in place all day. I was happy to be in the research study because I can hear better and I hope it can help other kids hear better in the future too!”

Jill (Mom):

“As someone who relies on research professionally to inform my own evidence-based practices, I was excited for the girls to participate in this study. Not only was it an amazing opportunity for them and our family, we recognized the importance of their role in helping other children access the same technology in the future. I have seen growth in both girls’ confidence and independence and will be forever grateful to UNC CI Research and Med-El for the life-changing opportunity.”