Abstract: An implantable device including a housing having a stud projecting percutaneously through an incision in the patient's skin. The stud defines a peripheral surface extending longitudinally inwardly from the stud outer end. The longitudinal peripheral surface is used as a substrate to carry a peripheral fibrous layer which extends longitudinally along the stud from its outer end adjacent to the skin incision to below the patient's epidermal and dermal skin layers for promoting laterally directed soft tissue ingrowth. The housing also defines a lateral shoulder surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal peripheral surface. The shoulder surface also carries a porous layer conducive to promoting tissue ingrowth. The porous layers on the device allows tissue ingrowth into the interstices of both porous layers to form an enhanced infection resistant barrier while also providing improved device anchoring.

Abstract: A hearing aid system including an implant (60) configured for insertion into a recess (40) formed under the skin of the retro-auricular space (50), which implant does not occlude the ear canal (30). The implant includes electronic circuitry (72), a transducer (65, e.g., speaker), antenna (64), and power source (66). The hearing aid also includes an external module (70), which module includes a microphone (163), electronics (172), antenna (164), and power source (166). A telemetry link (76) between the external module antenna and the implant antenna allows transmissions between the microphone module and the implant.