The Ototronix MAXUM system: Indications, techniques, and outcomes

For many individuals with hearing impairment, the benefits of hearing aids may be reduced by acoustic feedback, occlusion effect, difficult fitting, and recurrent ear canal irritation. Additionally, many hearing aid candidates refuse use because of concerns over cosmetic appearance and the stigma associated with hearing aid use. Implantable hearing devices were developed to circumvent many of the limitations of conventional air conduction aids. The MAXUM system is a semi-implantable hearing device that amplifies sound via an implanted magnet attached to the ossicular chain, which is coupled to an electromagnetic driver located within the medial ear canal. The MAXUM system is based on the SOUNDTEC Direct System technology that initially received Food and Drug Administration approval in 2001. Outcomes with the SOUNDTEC Direct System have demonstrated enhanced functional gain, as well as reduced feedback and occlusion effect compared with hearing aids. Herein, we review the indications, surgical technique, and outcomes of the MAXUM device.