Problems in the ear canal and middle ear can prevent hearing aids from delivering a good quality sound signal to the inner ear as many of the airborne sound waves are blocked. Bone conduction hearing systems bypass this problem by sending sound vibrations directly to your inner ear through your skull bone. Additionally, if you experience regular ear infections or irritation, as no hearing aid is blocking your ear canal, you are likely to experience a reduction in these symptoms.

The sound processor clicks easily onto the abutment or attaches to a Softband. Once attached, it picks up sound waves in a similar way to a conventional hearing aid. However, instead of sending these sound waves through the ear canal, it transforms them into sound vibrations that are ready to send through the bone, which means they bypass the outer and middle ear. If attached via an abutment the direct connection between the sound processor and the bone through the implant and abutment, means your skin does not dampen the sound vibrations, providing a clearer sound.

The processor is splash-proof but not waterproof, so you will have to remove it prior to showering or swimming. It should also be removed during contact sports, to avoid damage or loss. During these breaks, you can use a special cover to hide the abutment. You should also remove the processor before going to bed.

Ponto 4 is made for iPhone® making it simple to connect directly to your iPhone® or iPad® 

With the Oticon ON App, you can connect mobile phones and other devices with Bluetooth connection directly to the Ponto 4 for program and volume change. For phone calls and streaming with a smartphone, the ConnectClip is used along with Ponto 4.

Ponto 4 is also compatible with Bluetooth enabled smart speakers offering additional functionality via the IFTTT protocol (where supported).

Ponto 3 and Ponto Plus support wireless communication and can be connected to mobile phones or any device with a Bluetooth connection through the Oticon Medical Streamer. 

During your assessment, be sure to mention any headwear that you might want or be required to use. Your surgeon can then take this into account when planning your procedure.

As the implant and abutment are made from titanium, they will not activate an alarm. At the airport inform the security personnel that you are wearing an implantable hearing device. Any recommendation on whether it is necessary to remove the device, will be given to you by security. 

When using the Ponto if Bluetooth is not permitted by flight personnel turn the instruments off during take-off and landing. 

If you are visiting or living in an area with high humidity, place your sound processor in the drying tub every night. The drying capsule inside this container absorbs any residual moisture. If you don’t have a drying tub, ask your clinic how to get one.
Your sound processor should never be exposed to extreme heat, e.g. by leaving it in direct sunlight on the dashboard of the car, as extreme heat may damage it. 

If you are outdoors on a rainy day, use an umbrella to protect your Ponto sound processor.
In extremely dusty environments, remove your sound processor, as an accumulation of dust particles may damage it. When you return home, remember to clean both the implant area and the abutment.

Swimming should not be a problem as long as your skin has healed. After swimming, take a shower to clean the abutment.

Important: you need to remove your sound processor before swimming and showering, as it is not waterproof.

If you take off your sound processor for any length of time, you can protect the abutment using the special cover provided. This will both conceal it and keep it clean. Also, it is good to always keep your sound processor in its case when not wearing it.

Yes, you can, but make sure to inform the MRI professional that you have a bone anchored system when scheduling and visiting the MRI site. Your doctor may need to have access to this information. (For children and mentally disabled persons, this responsibility falls on the caregiver).

It is very important to take good care of the abutment and the surrounding skin on a daily basis to prevent any build-up of debris around the abutment. Maintaining good hygiene around a child’s abutment is the responsibility of parents or other caregivers.

When the healing cap has been removed, your skin may still be very sensitive, and you will need to treat it gently. When cleaning the abutment, always start by washing your hands, then carefully wipe all the way around the abutment using a non-alcoholic wet wipe. You will have to wait a while before washing your hair, as the skin should not be exposed to water. When your doctor gives you the go-ahead, it is recommended that you use a skin-friendly shampoo for the first few weeks.

Once your skin has completely healed, it is important to continue your skincare routine to avoid any build-up of debris around the abutment. Both the abutment and the surrounding skin must be thoroughly cleaned as part of your daily hygiene routine.

The process is just as easy as brushing your teeth. Wash the abutment area with warm water every day. You can do this while taking a bath or shower. After you have cleaned the area, use a cotton swab or a soft cleaning brush to clean gently around and inside the abutment. A mirror might be helpful when cleaning this site.

If you cannot remove the debris, place a piece of gauze soaked in warm water around the abutment for 5–10 minutes. Then clean the abutment with a cotton swab or the soft cleaning brush, followed by a non-alcoholic wet wipe. Never scratch the skin around the abutment with anything sharp.

At least twice a week, cleanse your skin more thoroughly to remove any debris that may have accumulated. A good time to do this is while washing your hair, as any debris on the abutment may become softer and thus easier to remove. If you use a hot hair dryer after showering, take care not to point it towards the abutment for too long. This is to avoid heating up the abutment and implant. The cool setting on the hair dryer may be used. 

Use a dry cloth or baby wipe to clean the outside of your sound processor. Be sure to remove any dirt or entangled hair from the coupling.