Effectiveness of Bone Conduction Hearing Aids in Young Children with Congenital Aural Atresia and Microtia

Abstract

Background The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of bone conduction hearing aids in children under 2 years old who have congenital microtia and atresia. Material/Methods This prospective study involved 42 children under 2 years old with congenital microtia and atresia who were divided into 2 groups: 21 with unilateral defect and 21 with bilateral defect. All children were provided with bone conduction hearing aids on a softband. Air and bone auditory thresholds were assessed by auditory brainstem responses (ABRs). The LittlEARS questionnaire was used to evaluate auditory development at baseline and after 6 months of hearing aids use. Behavioral observation audiometry (BOA) was used to assess auditory thresholds and compare aided and unaided hearing. Results After 6 months of hearing aid use, the total score of the LittlEARS questionnaire in children with unilateral defect was 24±5.60, while children with bilateral defect achieved a result of 26.29±6.17. Hearing thresholds in both groups with bone conduction hearing aids improved significantly and approached the normal level. Conclusions Our results confirm that bone conduction hearing aids provide an effective method of auditory rehabilitation for children with conductive and mixed hearing loss caused by microtia and atresia. Using bone conduction hearing aids in such children is crucial for proper hearing, speech, and language development.

Evaluation of the Bonebridge BCI 602 active bone conductive implant in adults: efficacy and stability of audiological, surgical, and functional outcomes

“…A large group of patients are patients with congenital anatomical defects of the outer and/or middle ear who cannot use the traditional methods of treatment and whose surgical procedures have not given satisfactory results. A possible way to improve their hearing is to use implantable or non-implantable bone-conduction devices [ 3 , 4 ]. For adults with conductive or mixed hearing loss, there are a number of devices on the market that are based on bone-conduction amplification.…”

The Effects of BCDs in Unilateral Conductive Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review

“…Three of the studies recruited normal-hearing as control groups [ 6 , 7 , 8 ], whilst the majority of the studies were controlled before and after the study. Some studies included different patient groups [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. Several studies analyzed both unilateral and bilateral CHL patients [ 9 , 10 , 12 , 13 ].…”

“…Some studies included different patient groups [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. Several studies analyzed both unilateral and bilateral CHL patients [ 9 , 10 , 12 , 13 ]. One study compared UCHL patients with normal bilateral cochlear function and those with mild symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss [ 14 ].…”

Effect of Multimedia Health Education on Psychological Burden, Quality of Life Ability, and Self-Efficacy of Congenital Microtia

“…The clinical manifestation is the partial or complete loss of the basic structures of the auricle, with only residual auricular cartilage and part of the earlobe, which causes a serious burden for patients and their families [4]. Its causative factors are mostly related to viral infections, medications, and preeclampsia in women in early pregnancy [5]. Microtia is not only a cosmetic and appearance defect but also seriously affects the development of the patient's physical and mental health [6].…”