The ranges of different implants take different times to heal and settle after surgery. We usually wait 8 to 12 weeks before fitting a sound processor to an abutment as we are waiting for a process called osseointegration to take place. This means the bone of the skull needs to grow around the base of the abutment to ensure it is very stable and secure.
Processors can be fitted at around 6 weeks post-surgery in the case of the Vibrant Soundbridge, Bonebridge and Sentio.
At the fitting appointment the bone conduction hearing device or middle ear implant device will be tuned to match the patient’s hearing loss, and adjusted to ensure that the sounds are clear and comfortable. There will be time to learn how to use the device on a daily basis and to practice attaching and removing the device.