Vibrant Soundbridge implantation: the transmastoid/posterior tympanotomy and transcanal approaches

The Vibrant Soundbridge was approved in the US for moderate-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss. Initially implanted via a transmastoid/posterior tympanotomy, which is still the most commonly performed approach, the transcanal approach is growing both in interest and practice. While both share many common elements in the surgery, knowledge of the challenges and advantages of both approaches gives the surgeon greater flexibility in implanting the moderate-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss patient with the Vibrant Soundbridge.