Middle Ear Implants (MEI)

What is a middle ear implant or MEI

There are different types of middle ear implant but their function is the same: to assist in the mechanical transmission of sound waves to the inner ear (cochlea).

The MEI is inserted into the middle ear and either attaches onto one of the middle ear bones or to the round window of the cochlea.
The attachment enhances the transmission of the sound waves to the cochlea. 

A MEI is inserted during a 2-3 hour operation under a general anaesthetic. 

A MEI is only appropriate for someone who has already tried conventional hearing aids in the past and who has significant clinical reasons that contra-indicate (should not be used) continued hearing aid use.
Some systems are totally implantable and there is nothing to wear on the outside. Other systems require the person to wear a small button receiver held magnetically behind the ear. The team will recommend the device that is most appropriate for each patient.

Who might a MEI be suitable for

• Hearing loss – an MEI is suitable for variety of hearing loss types.  If it might be of a benefit to you your audiologist will discuss it with you.
• Normal middle ear
• Ability to benefit from amplification of sound

Contact details

Please leave feedback for Audiology through our feedback pages.

• Give feedback

You can also contact us directly.

• audiology@uhb.nhs.uk
• 0121 371 7100
• 07939 988 871 (SMS text service)
• The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Audiology Centre
  Ground floor
  Nuffield House
  Mindelsohn Way
  Edgbaston
  B15 2TH

Batteries

If you have a hearing device from us, we can post out batteries and spare. Contact us.

• audiology@uhb.nhs.uk    
• 0121 371 7118
• 07939 988 871 (SMS text service)
• The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Audiology Centre
  Ground floor
  Nuffield House
  Mindelsohn Way
  Edgbaston
  B15 2TH

Please include your hospital number (if possible), name, date of birth and what you need. We will not call you back unless we have a query, but we will action the request.

Drop in for batteries only: 09:00 and 16:00, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).

Battery Centres

Alternatively, you can go to one of these centres who provide batteries on behalf of us.

Repairs

We do run a booked repair service. Please do not arrive at the department without an appointment, we are unable to see drop-in repairs.

If you are having an issue with your MEI please contact us on:

• audiology@uhb.nhs.uk
• 0121 371 7104
• 07939 988 871 (SMS text service)

Repair appointments are

• 15 minutes
• not for adjusting or fine-tuning of the hearing device nor for hearing tests

Lost MEI

The hearing device remains the property of the NHS.

There is a potential charge for lost hearing devices. If your hearing device is lost, please contact us.

• audiology@uhb.nhs.uk    
• 0121 371 7118
• 07939 988 871 (SMS text service)
• The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Audiology Centre
  Ground floor
  Nuffield House
  Mindelsohn Way
  Edgbaston
  B15 2TH

If we are not able to answer the phone please leave a message with your details: hospital number (if possible), name and date of birth.

Useful websites

• Medel | Vibrant soundbridge middle ear implant