(a) Identification. An air-conduction hearing aid is a wearable sound-amplifying device intended to compensate for impaired hearing that conducts sound to the ear through the air. An air-conduction hearing aid is subject to the requirements in § 800.30 or § 801.422 of this chapter, as applicable. The air-conduction hearing aid generic type excludes the group hearing aid or group auditory trainer, master hearing aid, and the tinnitus masker, regulated under §§ 874.3320, 874.3330, and 874.3400, respectively.

(b) Classification. Class I (general controls). This device is exempt from premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter, subject to the limitations in § 874.9.

[87 FR 50762, Aug. 17, 2022]

(a) Identification. A bone-conduction hearing aid is a wearable sound-amplifying device intended to compensate for impaired hearing and that conducts sound to the inner ear through the skull. The non-implantable components of a bone-conduction hearing aid, such as the external sound processor, are subject to the requirements in § 801.422 of this chapter.

(b) Classification. Class II.

[87 FR 50762, Aug. 17, 2022]

(a) Identification. A wireless air-conduction hearing aid is a wearable sound-amplifying device, intended to compensate for impaired hearing that incorporates wireless technology in its programming or use. A wireless air-conduction hearing aid is subject to the requirements in § 800.30 or § 801.422 of this chapter, as applicable.

(b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The special controls for this device are:

(1) Performance data must demonstrate the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), electrical safety, and thermal safety of the device;

(2) Performance testing must validate safety of exposure to non-ionizing radiation; and

(3) Performance data must validate wireless technology functions.

(c) Premarket notification. The wireless air-conduction hearing aid is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to § 874.9.

[76 FR 34846, June 15, 2011, as amended at 87 FR 50762, Aug. 17, 2022]

(a) Identification. A hearing aid calibrator and analysis system is an electronic reference device intended to calibrate and assess the electroacoustic frequency and sound intensity characteristics emanating from a hearing aid, master hearing aid, group hearing aid or group auditory trainer. The device consists of an acoustic complex of known cavity volume, a sound level meter, a microphone, oscillators, frequency counters, microphone amplifiers, a distoration analyzer, a chart recorder, and a hearing aid test box.

(b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 874.9.

[51 FR 40389, Nov. 6, 1986, as amended at 84 FR 71813, Dec. 30, 2019]

(a) Identification. A tympanic membrane contact hearing aid is a prescription wearable device that compensates for impaired hearing. Amplified sound is transmitted by vibrating the tympanic membrane through a transducer that is in direct contact with the tympanic membrane. A tympanic membrane contact hearing aid is subject to the requirements in § 801.422 of this chapter.

(b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The special controls for this device are:

(1) The patient contacting components must be demonstrated to be biocompatible.

(2) Non-clinical performance testing must demonstrate that the device performs as intended under anticipated conditions of use, and must include:

(i) Mechanical integrity testing;

(ii) Electrical and thermal safety testing;

(iii) Software verification, validation, and hazard analysis;

(iv) Reliability testing consistent with expected device life;

(v) Electromagnetic compatibility testing; and

(vi) Validation testing of device output and mechanical force applied to the tympanic membrane in a clinically appropriate model.

(3) Clinical performance testing must characterize any adverse events observed during clinical use, and demonstrate that the device performs as intended under anticipated conditions of use.

(4) Professional training must include the ear impression procedure, correct placement, fitting, monitoring, care, and maintenance of the device.

(5) Labeling must include the following:

(i) A detailed summary of the adverse events and effectiveness outcomes from the clinical performance testing;

(ii) Detailed instructions on how to fit the device to the patient;

(iii) Instructions for periodic cleaning of any reusable components;

(iv) Information related to electromagnetic compatibility; and

(v) Patient labeling that includes:

(A) A patient card that identifies if a patient has been fitted with any non-self- removable components of the device and provides relevant information in cases of emergency;

(B) Information on how to correctly use and maintain the device;

(C) The potential risks and benefits associated with the use of the device; and

(D) Alternative treatments.

[81 FR 3326, Jan. 21, 2015, as amended at 87 FR 50762, Aug. 17, 2022]

(a) Identification. A group hearing aid or group auditory trainer is a hearing aid that is intended for use in communicating simultaneously with one or more listeners having hearing impairment. The device is used with an associated transmitter microphone. It may be either monaural or binaural, and it provides coupling to the ear through either earphones or earmolds. The generic type of device includes three types of applications: hardwire systems, inductance loop systems, and wireless systems.

(b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 874.9.

[51 FR 40389, Nov. 6, 1986, as amended at 84 FR 71813, Dec. 30, 2019]

(a) Identification. A self-fitting air-conduction hearing aid is a wearable sound amplifying device that is intended to compensate for impaired hearing and incorporates technology, including software, that allows users to program their hearing aids. This technology integrates user input with a self-fitting strategy and enables users to independently derive and customize their hearing aid fitting and settings. A self-fitting air-conduction hearing aid is subject to the requirements in § 800.30 or § 801.422 of this chapter, as applicable.

(b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The special controls for this device are:

(1) Clinical data must evaluate the effectiveness of the self-fitting strategy.

(2) Electroacoustic parameters, including maximum output limits, distortion levels, self-generated noise levels, latency, and frequency response, must be specified and tested.

(3) Performance data must demonstrate the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), electrical safety, and thermal safety of the device.

(4) Software verification, validation, and hazard analysis must be performed.

(5) If the device incorporates wireless technology:

(i) Performance testing must validate safety of exposure to non-ionizing radiation; and

(ii) Performance data must validate wireless technology functions.

(6) Usability testing must demonstrate that users can correctly use the device as intended under anticipated conditions of use.

[84 FR 57612, Oct. 28, 2019, as amended at 87 FR 50762, Aug. 17, 2022]

(a) Identification. A master hearing aid is an electronic device intended to simulate a hearing aid during audiometric testing. It has adjustable acoustic output levels, such as those for gain, output, and frequency response. The device is used to select and adjust a person's wearable hearing aid.

(b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 874.9.

[51 FR 40389, Nov. 6, 1986, as amended at 84 FR 71813, Dec. 30, 2019]

(a) Identification. An active implantable bone conduction hearing system is a prescription device consisting of an implanted transducer, implanted electronics components, and an audio processor. The active implantable bone conduction hearing system is intended to compensate for conductive or mixed hearing losses by conveying amplified acoustic signals to the cochlea via mechanical vibrations on the skull bone.

(b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The special controls for this device are:

(1) Clinical performance testing must characterize any adverse events observed during implantation and clinical use, and must also demonstrate that the device performs as intended under anticipated conditions of use.

(2) Non-clinical performance testing must demonstrate that the device performs as intended under anticipated conditions of use, including the following:

(i) Performance data must validate force output in a clinically relevant model.

(ii) Impact testing in a clinically relevant anatomic model must be performed.

(iii) Mechanical integrity testing must be performed.

(iv) Reliability testing consistent with expected device life must be performed.

(3) The patient-contacting components of the device must be demonstrated to be biocompatible.

(4) Performance data must demonstrate the sterility of the patient-contacting components of the device.

(5) Performance data must support the shelf life of the device by demonstrating continued sterility, package integrity, and device functionality over the identified shelf life.

(6) Performance data must demonstrate the wireless compatibility, electromagnetic compatibility, and electrical safety of the device.

(7) Software verification, validation, and hazard analysis must be performed.

(8) Labeling must include:

(i) A summary of clinical testing conducted with the device that includes a summary of device-related complications and adverse events;

(ii) Instructions for use;

(iii) A surgical guide for implantation, which includes instructions for imaging to assess bone dimensions;

(iv) A shelf life, for device components provided sterile;

(v) A patient identification card; and

(vi) A patient user manual.

[83 FR 54009, Oct. 26, 2018]

(a) Identification. A battery-powered artificial larynx is an externally applied device intended for use in the absence of the larynx to produce sound. When held against the skin in the area of the voicebox, the device generates mechanical vibrations which resonate in the oral and nasal cavities and can be modulated by the tongue and lips in a normal manner, thereby allowing the production of speech.

(b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 874.9.

[51 FR 40389, Nov. 6, 1986, as amended at 59 FR 63009, Dec. 7, 1994; 66 FR 38800, July 25, 2001]

(a) Identification. A tinnitus masker is an electronic device intended to generate noise of sufficient intensity and bandwidth to mask ringing in the ears or internal head noises. Because the device is able to mask internal noises, it is also used as an aid in hearing external noises and speech.

(b) Classification. Class II. The special control for this device is patient labeling regarding:

(1) Hearing health care professional diagnosis, fitting of the device, and followup care,

(2) Risks,

(3) Benefits,

(4) Warnings for safe use, and

(5) Specifications.

[51 FR 40389, Nov. 6, 1986, as amended at 65 FR 17145, Mar. 31, 2000]

(a) Identification. A middle ear mold is a preformed device that is intended to be implanted to reconstruct the middle ear cavity during repair of the tympanic membrane. The device permits an ample air-filled cavity to be maintained in the middle ear and promotes regeneration of the mucous membrane lining of the middle ear cavity. A middle ear mold is made of materials such as polyamide, polytetrafluoroethylene, silicone elastomer, or polyethylene, but does not contain porous polyethylene.

(b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 874.9.

[51 FR 40389, Nov. 6, 1986, as amended at 84 FR 71813, Dec. 30, 2019]

(a) Identification. A partial ossicular replacement prosthesis is a device intended to be implanted for the functional reconstruction of segments of the ossicular chain and facilitates the conduction of sound wave from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear. The device is made of materials such as stainless steel, tantalum, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene with carbon fibers composite, absorbable gelatin material, porous polyethylene, or from a combination of these materials.

(b) Classification. Class II.

(a) Identification. A total ossicular replacement prosthesis is a device intended to be implanted for the total functional reconstruction of the ossicular chain and facilitates the conduction of sound waves from the tympanic membrance to the inner ear. The device is made of materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene with vitreous carbon fibers composite, porous polyethylene, or from a combination of these materials.

(b) Classification. Class II.

(a) Identification. A prosthesis modification instrument for ossicular replacement surgery is a device intended for use by a surgeon to construct ossicular replacements. This generic type of device includes the ear, nose, and throat cutting block; wire crimper, wire bending die; wire closure forceps; piston cutting jib; gelfoam TM punch; wire cutting scissors; and ossicular finger vise.

(b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to § 874.9. If the device is not labeled or otherwise represented as sterile, it is exempt from the current good manufacturing practice requirements of the quality system regulation in part 820 of this chapter, with the exception of § 820.180 of this chapter, with respect to general requirements concerning records, and § 820.198 of this chapter, with respect to complaint files.

[51 FR 40389, Nov. 9, 1986, as amended at 52 FR 32111, Aug. 25, 1987; 65 FR 2316, Jan. 14, 2000]

(a) Identification. Ear, nose, and throat synthetic polymer material is a device material that is intended to be implanted for use as a space-occupying substance in the reconstructive surgery of the head and neck. The device is used, for example, in augmentation rhinoplasty and in tissue defect closures in the esophagus. The device is shaped and formed by the suregon to conform to the patient's needs. This generic type of device is made of material such as polyamide mesh or foil and porous polyethylene.

(b) Classification. Class II.

(a) Identification. A mandibular implant facial prosthesis is a device that is intended to be implanted for use in the functional reconstruction of mandibular deficits. The device is made of materials such as stainless steel, tantalum, titanium, cobalt-chromium based alloy, polytetrafluoroethylene, silicone elastomer, polyethylene, polyurethane, or polytetrafluoroethylene with carbon fibers composite.

(b) Classification. Class II.

(a) Identification. A laryngeal prosthesis (Taub design) is a device intended to direct pulmonary air flow to the pharynx in the absence of the larynx, thereby permitting esophageal speech. The device is interposed between openings in the trachea and the esophagus and may be removed and replaced each day by the patient. During phonation, air from the lungs is directed to flow through the device and over the esophageal mucosa to provide a sound source that is articulated as speech.

(b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The device, when it is a voice amplification device, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 874.9.

[51 FR 40389, Nov. 6, 1986, as amended at 84 FR 71813, Dec. 30, 2019]

(a) Identification. A sacculotomy tack (Cody tack) is a device that consists of a pointed stainless steel tack intended to be implanted to relieve the symptoms of vertigo. The device repetitively ruptures the utricular membrane as the membrane expands under increased endolymphatic pressure.

(b) Classification. Class II.

(a) Identification. An endolymphatic shunt is a device that consists of a tube or sheet intended to be implanted to relieve the symptons of vertigo. The device permits the unrestricted flow of excess endolymph from the distended end of the endolymphatic system into the mastoid cavity where resorption occurs. This device is made of polytetrafluoroethylene or silicone elastomer.

(b) Classification. Class II.

(a) Identification. An endolymphatic shunt tube with valve is a device that consists of a pressure-limiting valve associated with a tube intended to be implanted in the inner ear to relieve symptoms of vertigo and hearing loss due to endolymphatic hydrops (increase in endolymphatic fluid) of Meniere's disease.

(b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The special control for this device is the FDA guidance document “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Endolymphatic Shunt Tube With Valve; Guidance for Industry and FDA.”

[67 FR 20894, Apr. 29, 2002]

(a) Identification. A tympanostomy tube is a device that is intended to be implanted for ventilation or drainage of the middle ear. The device is inserted through the tympanic membrane to permit a free exchange of air between the outer ear and middle ear. A type of tympanostomy tube known as the malleous clip tube attaches to the malleous to provide middle ear ventilation. The device is made of materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, silicon elastomer, or porous polyethylene.

(b) Classification. Class II.

(a) Identification. A nasal dilator is a device intended to provide temporary relief from transient causes of breathing difficulties resulting from structural abnormalities and/or transient causes of nasal congestion associated with reduced nasal airflow. The device decreases airway resistance and increases nasal airflow. The external nasal dilator is constructed from one or more layers of material upon which a spring material is attached, with a skin adhesive applied to adhere to the skin of the nose; it acts with a pulling action to open the nares. The internal nasal dilator is constructed from metal or plastic and is placed inside the nostrils; it acts by pushing the nostrils open or by gently pressing on the columella.

(b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 874.9.

[64 FR 10949, Mar. 8, 1999]

(a) Identification. A tympanostomy tube with a semipermeable membrane is a device intended to be implanted for ventilation or drainage of the middle ear and for preventing fluids from entering the middle ear cavity. The device is inserted through the tympanic membrane to permit a free exchange of air between the outer ear and middle ear. The tube portion of the device is made of silicone elastomer or porous polyethylene, and the membrane portion is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

(b) Classification. Class II. The special control for this device is FDA's “Tympanostomy Tubes, Submission Guidance for a 510(k).”

[51 FR 40389, Nov. 6, 1986, as amended at 65 FR 17145, Mar. 31, 2000]

(a) Identification. A transcutaneous air conduction hearing aid system is a wearable sound-amplifying device intended to compensate for impaired hearing without occluding the ear canal. The device consists of an air conduction hearing aid attached to a surgically fitted tube system, which is placed through soft tissue between the post auricular region and the outer ear canal. A transcutaneous air conduction hearing aid system is subject to the requirements in § 801.422 of this chapter.

(b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The special control for this device is FDA's guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Transcutaneous Air Conduction Hearing Aid System (TACHAS); Guidance for Industry and FDA.” See § 874.1 for the availability of this guidance document.

[67 FR 67790, Nov. 7, 2002, as amended at 87 FR 50762, Aug. 17, 2022]