ADHEAR
Bone Conduction System
Stick. Click. Hear.
ADHEAR is the world’s first non-surgical bone conduction device that does not exert any pressure on the skin. This makes it very convenient and comfortable, yet powerful. Hearing outcomes in patients with ADHEAR rival those with systems that apply pressure to the skull[1] and even implantable bone conduction solutions.[2][3] ADHEAR can provide both children and adults with instant results.
- Non-surgical
- No pressure
- For all ages
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Put It on and Hear
The ADHEAR system consists of two parts: an adhesive adapter and an audio processor. The adhesive adapter is placed on the skin behind the ear and the audio processor is attached to the adapter with a simple click. The system is symmetrically designed and can therefore be used on either side.
The audio processor picks up sound waves, converts them into vibrations, and transfers them to the mastoid bone via the adhesive adapter. Through bone conduction, the sound information reaches the inner ear.
ADHEAR can help people with conductive hearing loss (CHL) or single-sided deafness (SSD), either temporary or permanent, to hear better in an easy and effective way.
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Immediate Improvement
Since the ADHEAR’s market release in 2017 multiple studies have been proving its concept. The results show immediate hearing improvement for both adults and children.[ft][ft][ft][ft][ft][ft]
With directional and omni-directional microphones that automatically adapt to the user’s environment, built-in noise reduction and feedback cancellation, ADHEAR helps people with CHL or SSD to understand speech and hear better even in noisy environments.
- Easy to try out
- Immediate result
- Highly efficient
More Time, More Benefit
No exertion of pressure, no headband, but a comfortable adhesive adapter and an inconspicuous, discreet placement behind the ear: ADHEAR’s wearing comfort is exceptional. The unparalleled combination of convenience and discreetness leads to high user satisfaction and long wearing times of the ADHEAR system. A meta-analysis of ten major studies found that out of a total of 146 people who used ADHEAR, almost 99% could wear it throughout the whole study without any issues or downtime.[ft]
- Skin-friendly
- All-day wearing comfort
- Small and discreet
ADHEAR System – Review of clinical evidence and user satisfaction, MED-EL (2020)
Comfortable
The breathable adhesive adapter does not apply pressure to the skin or bone, resulting in the highest wearing comfort and longer wearing time.
Reliable
ADHEAR reliably stays in the ideal position behind the ear, offering consistent access to sound. The battery compartment can be safely locked.
Convenient
Users can enjoy up to two weeks of power with just one battery. Direct audio input allows connecting to smartphones and receivers (Bluetooth®, FM or telecoil).
No Painful Pressure
Other skin-drive BCDs are retained by steel spring headbands, elastic headbands (softbands) or eyeglasses. Just like passive transcutaneous bone conduction implants, these conventional BCDs exert pressure onto the skin and skull. Studies on passive transcutaneous bone conduction implants report that the exerted pressure can lead to painful issues like swelling, skin irritation, skin necrosis or infection.[ft] [ft]
Unlike this, ADHEAR’s unique design works without the pressure-associated drawbacks, such as pain, pressure marks, placement loss and discomfort that can often lead to shortened wearing time.[ft] [ft] [ft]
In a study by Dahm et al. (2019) ten out of thirteen people “reported pain using the conventional BCD, half of them reported to wear the device less due to amount of pain. Pain was not reported with the adhesive device”.[ft]
headbands reported pain.
Dahm et. al 2019
Durable Adhesive Adapter
Not only can softbands be uncomfortable, they might also not keep the audio processor in the ideal position to most efficiently transmit vibrations.
The innovative adhesive adapter of the ADHEAR system ensures that the audio processor stays in an optimal position for reliable hearing performance. With a simple click the processor is snapped onto the adapter once positioned. The adapter is water-resistant, skin-friendly, breathable and can be used without interruption for up to 3-7 days.[ft]
Longer Wearing Time
A successful hearing device is one that is worn. It sounds easy, but reality shows that there are huge differences in wearing time between hearing devices. This is due to factors such as pain, discomfort or stigmatization as a consequence when a device is clearly visible. With the discreet, pressureless ADHEAR system, daily usage time is significantly higher than with BCDs on softbands.[ft][ft]
Why MED-EL:
A Trusted Partner
For more than 35 years, MED-EL has been a trusted partner and innovation leader in hearing implants. We’re here to work together with you, and we’re committed to providing outstanding service and support for our professional partners.
With the most advanced cochlear implant systems, we offer the best hearing experience for your patients and the best clinical experience for you.
Contact Us
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Technical Data
ADHEAR
Bone Conduction System
Dimensions Audio Processor
- Height: 14.6 mm
- Width: 34.9 mm
- Weight: 13.5 g (including battery)
Dimensions Adhesive Adapter
- Height: 4 mm
- Width: 29 mm
- Weight: 1 g
Product Features
- Volume control
- Program button
- Turn system off by opening the battery compartment
- Mute by switching to program 4
- Battery lock feature
- Direct audio input: Connect devices such as mobile phones, tablets, Bluetooth streamers, FM receivers or telecoil receivers
- Audio processor available in 3 colors
- Adhesive adapter available in 2 colors
Signal Processing
- Automatic adaptive directional microphone system
- 16-band digital equalizer
- 8 independent compression channels
- Noise reduction
- Feedback cancellation without reducing gain
- Microphone noise reduction adjustable via squelch ratio and threshold
- 4 pre-configured programs (up to 6 possible)
Materials in Skin Contact
- Adhesive adapter: medical adhesive, non-toxic and non-allergic
- Headband (optional): polycarbonate plastic, polyester and elastane
- Biocompatible according to ISO 10993-1
- Latex-free**
Audio Processor Color Options
Adhesive Adapter Color Options
Power Supply
- One non-rechargeable size 13 zinc-air button cell with a nominal 1.4 V supply (IEC identifier: PR48)
- Up to 300 hours of battery life*
- Battery current: 0.87 mA (at 60 dB SPL input, 1600 Hz)
Accessories
- ADHEAR Adhesive Adapters
- ADHEAR Headband
- ADHEAR Positioning Tool
- ADHEAR Sleeves
- Cleaning brush
- Design stickers
- Daily case (different sizes available)
- Travel case
- Retention clip
- Screwdriver
Cables
- Angled adapter cable
- Micro USB audio cable
- FM adapter cable
- Long audio input cable, bilateral input (100 cm)
- Long audio input cable, unilateral input (100 cm)
- Short audio input cable, bilateral input (45 cm)
- Short audio input cable, unilateral input (45 cm)
* Battery life dependent on individual usage.
** Whereby “free” means “not made with latex” according to current FDA guidance: “Recommendations for Labeling Medical Products to Inform Users that the Product or Product
Container is not Made with Natural Rubber Latex”, 2014.
Detailed information and specific usage instructions for each product can be found in the respective user manual. Not all products, features, or indications shown are approved in all countries. Please contact your local MED-EL representative for more
information.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by MED-EL is under license.
