On this website, you’ll discover Geoffrey R. Ball’s inventions and personal journey – story of determination, creativity, and a passion for making life better.
Geoffrey R. Ball is a distinguished physiologist and inventor.. He is best known as the inventor of the Floating Mass Transducer (FMT) and co-creator of the Vibrant Soundbridge, the first active middle ear implant for hearing loss. He has appeared on numerous media programmes, inspiring young inventors and individuals with hearing loss. His story encourages innovation and empowers others to pursue solutions that improve lives and challenge the impossible.
This timeline highlights some of Geoffrey Ball’s most significant awards throughout his career in the field of auditory medicine.
This award recognized Ball’s innovative work in the field of medical devices, particularly his development of the Vibrant Soundbridge, an active middle ear implant designed to treat hearing loss.
Geoffrey was honored for his outstanding engineering achievements, especially in creating implantable hearing solutions that have improved the quality of life for individuals with hearing impairments.
Awarded by the Politzer Society, this prize recognized his research and contributions to otology, particularly his work on reconstructive middle ear surgery and related technologies.
Awarded in Italy for inventing the Vibrant Soundbridge, the first active middle ear implant that directly stimulates the ossicles, offering a superior alternative to hearing aids.
Presented in Innsbruck, Austria, the Life Award recognized Geoffreys long-standing commitment to developing hearing implants, acknowledging his efforts to improve the lives of individuals with hearing impairments through technological innovation.
At the “life goes on – die Gala mit Herz” event in Vienna, he received the Tara Award in the Innovation category. This award celebrated his creation of the Vibrant Soundbridge, which has enabled thousands worldwide to regain their hearing.
Geoffrey R. Ball’s journey is one of perseverance and innovation. Diagnosed with deafness early on, he sought a better solution, leading him from Silicon Valley to Austria, where he developed the world’s most successful middle ear implant. A true Renaissance man, he balanced interests in literature, sports, and entrepreneurship while overcoming challenges in invention and business. His groundbreaking device continues to improve lives worldwide, proving his mission is far from over.
“He usually never writes enough stuff down. He thinks if he knows it, then that’s good enough … not for the rest of us.”
“Great invention requires a great story. Our lives are determined by the stories we live and the stories we create. Sometimes we choose our paths; sometimes they are chosen for us. How we act and react are what comes to define who we are, how we see the world and what we contribute. Where our path begins sets the stage for where we end up.”
In this Blog Post section, Geoffrey shares his own insights, innovations, and experiences in hearing technology.
Geoffrey Ball is the inventor of VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE—and a SOUNDBRIDGE recipient himself. He developed hearing loss at an early age. After trying various hearing aids, the solution was obvious: he needed to build a device
