Tantalum Capacitors Improve Hearing Device Performance

New advances in ultraminiature tantalum capacitors have enabled the creation of the Vibrant Soundbridge, a hearing device that uses direct-drive technology to stimulate the tiny bones in the middle ear. Recently approved by the Food & Drug Administration, the Vibrant Soundbridge treats moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss, the most common form of hearing impairment. Five of the Ta caps, called TACmicrochips, are used in the hearing aid's miniaturized circuit board. The TACmicrochips, described as the world's smallest surface-mount tantalum capacitors, boast of the highest bulk energy storage of any 0603 capacitor. The Soundbridge hearing aids employ an unique design that minimizes problems commonly associated with acoustic hearing aids, such as poor sound quality, feedback, background noise and discomfort.