Medtronic completes takeover of hearing implant manufacturer Sophono

Medtronic has announced the completion of its takeover of Sophono, the developer of an innovative line of minimally invasive bone conduction hearing implant technology.

The Colorado-based company's magnetic hearing implants are currently available in 42 countries and have been implanted in more than 4,000 patients. They are intended for individuals with single-sided deafness or conductive, mixed hearing loss.

Using the Sophono device has resulted in significant hearing and speech recognition improvement in patients, according to recently published clinical studies.

The acquisition will strengthen the capabilities of Medtronic's ear, nose and throat (ENT) business, with revenue from the Sophono product line to contribute to the surgical technologies division within the restorative therapies group segment.

Mark Fletcher, senior vice-president and president of Medtronic's surgical technologies business, said: "As the leader in ENT products and therapies, Medtronic is proud to add Sophono's minimally invasive, low profile hearing implants to our extensive otologic portfolio."

This comes after Medtronic became one of the world's biggest medical technology firms with its acquisition of Covidien earlier this year.