Hearing implants move fully under the skin in an Italian first

Hospitals in Siena and Piacenza have carried out Italy’s first procedures to fit cochlear implants with every component beneath the skin, including the microphone and battery. Two patients were treated in Siena and one in Piacenza, opening a new option for selected people with severe or profound hearing loss.

The devices are designed to provide access to sound throughout the day and night. Conventional cochlear implants rely on external parts that need to be removed for sleep or activities where they could be damaged. The new system detects sound through the skin and converts it into electrical signals, allowing sound information to reach the brain through the hearing nerve.

It can remain active during sleep, sport and water-based activities, subject to the device’s operating conditions. The battery can be recharged by placing a charger over the implant while the system stays on.

The procedures are part of a pilot supported by Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, since the technology is not yet reimbursed by Italy’s national health service. Nine further operations are planned in Piacenza by the end of 2027.

Specialists stress that the technology is not suitable for everyone: selection depends on each patient’s clinical characteristics and needs. Follow-up will be essential to assess users’ experiences and establish the benefits in daily life.