Why it's done

The goal of the surgery is to restore hearing in people with hearing loss. An auditory brainstem implant can be alternative approach for people who can't have a cochlear implant. A cochlear implant is an electronic device that bypasses damaged or nonworking parts of the inner ear (cochlea) and directly stimulates the hearing (auditory) nerve. A cochlear implant generally provides better quality sound, but it can't be used in all situations.

You may not be able to receive a cochlear implant if you have:

• A small or missing auditory nerve
• An unusually shaped inner ear
• Scarring of the inner ear caused by infection, such as meningitis
• Damage from a skull fracture

An auditory brainstem implant bypasses the damaged auditory nerves and connects directly to the brainstem to help you detect sounds.