The surgical procedure was completed in all cases, with only minor intraoperative divergence from the CT-based planning and no postoperative complications. The average improvement of the SRT in quiet with the BB in comparison to the unaided condition was 36.25 dB. All the implanted subjects reached SRT values below 65 dB, indicating a better understanding in quiet, with 100% word recognition.

In cases of maxillary constriction and nasal airway obstruction, RME has proved to be efficient for the improvement of nasal respiration in children via a widening effect on the nasopharyngeal cavity.

The results show that, when treated only by medical therapy, the HB V subjects showed no significant age difference in relation to the achievement of a HB Grade III (100% in the over 65, 80% in the under 65), whilst, in the HB IV subjects, the younger population showed a better recovery, with 89% of a good recovery (HB I or II). In the patients who received the combined protocol, a better recovery rate was found, both in HB IV and V subjects, and the younger population could reach a good recovery in 90% of HB V cases in respect to the older population (50%).

In the whole sample, mean hearing threshold levels improved from 70 to 48 dB; in the MHL group the mean hearing threshold level improved from 64 to 42 dB; in the SHL group the mean hearing threshold level improved from 82 to 58 dB. GBI and COSI scores were only slightly better in the MHL group than in the SHL group.

The mean GBI scores were higher in Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) and Bonebridge subjects, without significant differences among the various devices. The mean VAS score increased for all the devices in comparison with the conventional hearing aid. The mean APHAB score was similarly better in the implanted condition as total and partial scores.