Transcutaneous bone-conduction hearing device: audiological and surgical aspects in a first series of patients with mixed hearing loss

Abstract

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.

Implantable Hearing Devices

“…The authors found improved word recognition scores at activation and continued to see improvement up to 3 months after activation. Similarly, Barbara et al [13] noted an improvement in SRT and word recognition scores compared to the unaided sound field condition. Both studies found no changes in unaided air or bone conduction thresholds postoperatively.…”

“…Patients must have appropriate bone thickness and consistency to accommodate the internal device, as determined by a preoperative CT scan [14 • ]. Unlike the Cochlear and Oticon Medical devices, the Bonebridge does not require osseointegration [13]. The Bonebridge is MRI compatible up to 1.5 T [13].…”

“…Unlike the Cochlear and Oticon Medical devices, the Bonebridge does not require osseointegration [13]. The Bonebridge is MRI compatible up to 1.5 T [13].…”

“…The BC-FMT is connected to the internal coil by means of a flexible component that can be bent up to 90°horizontally and 30°vertically depending on optimal placement of the FMT, as determined by the preoperative CT scan [13]. Multiple surgical approaches are considered depending on placement of the device, which is 8.6 mm in depth.…”

“…The Bonebridge (MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria) is a bone conduction device for use with single-sided deafness or conductive or mixed hearing loss with bone conduction thresholds better than or equal to 45 dB [13]. Patients must have appropriate bone thickness and consistency to accommodate the internal device, as determined by a preoperative CT scan [14 • ].…”