Auditory Brainstem Implant

The idea of electrically stimulating the auditory system within the central nervous system led to the development of auditory brainstem implant (ABI) technology. The ABI procedure is a relatively new way to treat hearing loss in both pediatric and adult patients under certain indications. This procedure is different from other treatments for hearing loss. One of the main reasons for this difference is the surgical aspects of the ABI procedure. The surgical technique is quite different because it requires intracranial intervention. The first ABI surgery was performed in the USA in 1979 by William House and William Hitselberger. As a result of many developments and improvements, the ABI procedure has been accepted as one of the treatment modalities worldwide and several thousand patients have been implanted.