Evaluation of a New Powerful Bone-Anchored Hearing System: A Comparison Study

2013 ◽  
Vol 24 (06) ◽  
pp. 505-513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arjan J. Bosman ◽  
Ad F.M. Snik ◽  
Myrthe K.S. Hol ◽  
Emmanuel A.M. Mylanus
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Free Field ◽  
New Device ◽  
Mixed Hearing Loss ◽  
Bone Conduction Device

Background: The recent introduction of digital hearing aid technology for bone-conduction devices employing percutaneous stimulation may be beneficial for patients with conductive and mixed hearing loss and single sided deafness. Purpose: Performance of a recently released sound processor for bone-anchored implants, the Ponto Pro Power from Oticon Medical (bone-conduction device 2 [BCD2]), was compared with that of the Baha Intenso from Cochlear (bone-conduction device 1 [BCD1]). Research Design: Direct comparison of the subject's own device (BCD1) with the new device (BCD2) was examined in a nonrandomized design. Subjects were initially tested with BCD1. BCD2 was tested after a 4 wk acclimatization period. Study Sample: Eighteen subjects with mixed hearing loss and with at least 4 mo experience with BCD1 completed the study. Mean air-conduction and bone-conduction thresholds averaged across the frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz were 73.9 and 34.2 dB HL, respectively. Data Collection and Analysis: Performance of the two devices was evaluated objectively by measuring aided free-field thresholds, speech perception in quiet, and speech perception in noise. A subjective evaluation was carried out with the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) (Cox and Alexander, 1995) and the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) questionnaire (Gatehouse and Noble, 2004). In addition, user experiences, user satisfaction, and device preference were obtained via proprietary questionnaires. Statistical significance was established with analysis-of-variance (ANOVA) and paired t-statistics with Bonferroni correction. Results: Aided free-field thresholds and speech reception thresholds (SRTs) in quiet were not statistically significantly different for either device (p > 0.05). In contrast, SRTs in noise were 2.0 dB lower (p < 0.001) for BCD2 than for BCD1. APHAB questionnaire scores on all subscales provided statistically significantly greater benefit (p < 0.05) for BCD2 than for BCD1. Also, with the SSQ most items in the speech and sound quality domain were significantly more favorable (p < 0.05) for BCD2 than for BCD1. Finally, all subjects preferred BCD2 over BCD1 with 14 subjects reporting a strong preference and four subjects an average preference for the digital signal processing provided by BCD2 over previous technology provided by BCD1.

scholarly journals Vibrant Soundbridge and Bone Conduction Hearing Aid in Patients with Bilateral Malformation of External Ear

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (01) ◽  
pp. 034-038 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Mondelli ◽  
Thais Mariano ◽  
Heitor Honório ◽  
Rubens Brito
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
External Ear ◽  
Vibrant Soundbridge ◽  
Mixed Hearing Loss ◽  
Bone Conduction Hearing ◽  
Bone Conduction Hearing Aid

Introduction Hearing loss is the most common clinical finding in patients with malformation of the external ear canal. Among the possibilities of treatment, there is the adaptation of hearing aids by bone conduction and the adaptation of implantable hearing aids. Objective To assess speech perception with the use of Vibrant Soundbridge (VBS - MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria) associated with additional amplification in patients with bilateral craniofacial malformation. Method We evaluated 11 patients with bilateral malformation over 12 years with mixed hearing loss or bilateral conductive. They were using the Softband (Oticon Medical, Sweden) and bone conduction hearing aid in the ear opposite the one with the VSB. We performed the evaluation of speech perception using the Hearing in Noise Test. Results Participants were eight men and three women with a mean of 19.5 years. The signal / noise ratio presented significant results in patients fitted with VSB and bone conduction hearing aid. Conclusion The results of speech perception were significantly better with use of VBS combined with bone conduction hearing aids.

scholarly journals Hearing Rehabilitation through Bone-Conducted Sound Stimulation: Preliminary Results

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (01) ◽  
pp. 012-017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fayez Bahmad Jr ◽  
Carolina Cardoso ◽  
Fernanda Caldas ◽  
Monique Barreto ◽  
Anacléia Hilgenberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Subcutaneous Tissue ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Free Field ◽  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
Skin Impedance ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After

Introduction The bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) is a bone conduction system that transmits the sound directly to the inner ear by surpassing the skin impedance and the subcutaneous tissue. It is indicated for patients with mixed, conductive and unilateral sensorineural hearing loss who did not benefit from conventional hearing aids (HAs). Although the benefits from BAHA are well demonstrated internationally, this field still lacks studies in Brazil. Objective To assess the auditory rehabilitation process in BAHA users through audiological, speech perception and tinnitus aspects. Methods Individuals with hearing loss were assessed before and after the implantation. The participants were subjected to pure tone audiometry in free field, functional gain audiometry, speech perception tests, tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) in open format, and to the visual analog scale (VAS). Results It was found that the participants benefited from the use of BAHA. The difference in the performance of the participants before and after the BAHA surgery was significant in terms of hearing acuity. There was no statistically significant difference in the speech perception tests. The tinnitus assessment showed that 80% of the participants scored slight tinnitus severity in THI after using a BAHA. Eighty percent of the participants classified their tinnitus as absent to mild in the VAS after the surgery. Conclusion Based on the results of the current study, we can conclude that the participants improved both the auditory perception and the tinnitus handicap.

scholarly journals Minimal invasive pocket technique for magnet bone implant hearing aid without fixation

2019 ◽  
Vol 277 (3) ◽  
pp. 715-725
Author(s):  
Pierre Dolhen ◽  
Samuel Lipski ◽  
Rachid Touijar ◽  
Juliette Van Bogaert
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Surgical Technique ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Magnetic Coupling ◽  
Skin Incision ◽  
Medical Systems ◽  
Bone Implant ◽  
Mixed Hearing Loss ◽  
Baha Attract

Abstract Introduction The BAHA (bone-anchored hearing aid) Attract is a magnetic transcutaneous bone conduction device anchored into the temporal bone. The standard surgical technique for BAHA Attract is a multi-tools time-consuming process, which requires a large cutaneous incision. The objective of this study is to describe and test the feasibility of a minimally invasive pocket (MIP) technique for Magnet Bone Implant Hearing Aid (MBIHA) with a modified magnet of BAHA Attract without fixation and without any tissue reduction. We use a 3-cm vertical skin incision and a subperiosteal pocket. Method A study of 10 patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss who benefited from a MBIHA using the MIP technique is presented. The pure tone average (PTA) (dB) for air-conduction thresholds and the speech recognition threshold (SRT) (dB) in speech audiometry in quiet are calculated. The Entific Medical Systems (EMS) questionnaire and the postoperative clinical outcomes are realized. Results We found a significant improvement of 33.8 dB on average for the PTA and 44.8 dB for the SRT with MBIHA at 3 months, compared with unaided situation. No implant was removed or displaced after 2 years of follow-up. The skin condition remains intact in all the cases. Conclusion The minimally subperiosteal pocket surgical technique MIP without fixation and with tissue preservation for the MBIHA is safe, rapid and effective for patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss. It opens new perspectives of development and modify conventional concept in magnetic coupling of bone-conducted device.

scholarly journals The Bonebridge BCI 602 Active Transcutaneous Bone Conduction Implant in Children: Objective and Subjective Benefits

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (24) ◽  
pp. 5916
Author(s):  
Katarzyna B. Cywka ◽  
Henryk Skarżyński ◽  
Bartłomiej Król ◽  
Piotr H. Skarżyński
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Word Recognition ◽  
Middle Ear ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Free Field ◽  
Subjective Assessment ◽  
Congenital Defects ◽  
Mixed Hearing Loss ◽  
Speech Reception ◽  
Bone Conduction Implant

Background: the Bonebridge hearing implant is an active transcutaneous bone conduction implant suitable for various types of hearing loss. It was first launched in 2012 as the BCI 601, with a newer internal part (BCI 602) released in 2019. With the new size and shape, the BCI 602 can be used in patients previously excluded due to insufficient anatomical conditions, especially in patients with congenital defects of the outer and middle ear. Objectives: the purpose of this study is to evaluate the objective and subjective benefits of the new Bonebridge BCI 602 in children who have hearing impairment due to conductive or mixed hearing loss. Safety and effectiveness of the device was assessed. Methods: the study group included 22 children aged 8–18 years (mean age 14.7 years) who had either conductive or mixed hearing loss. All patients were implanted unilaterally with the new Bonebridge BCI 602 implant. Pure tone audiometry, speech recognition tests (in quiet and noise), and free-field audiometry were performed before and after implantation. Word recognition scores were evaluated using the Demenko and Pruszewicz Polish Monosyllabic Word Test, and speech reception thresholds in noise were assessed using the Polish Sentence Matrix Test. The subjective assessment of benefits was carried outusing the APHAB (Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit) questionnaire. Results: after implantation of the Bonebridge BCI 602 all patients showed a statistically significant improvement in hearing and speech understanding. The mean word recognition score (WRS) changed from 12.1% before implantation to 87.3% after 6 months. Mean speech reception threshold (SRT) before implantation was +4.79 dB SNR and improved to −1.29 dB SNR after 6 months. All patients showed stable postoperative results. The APHAB questionnaire showed that difficulties in hearing decreased after implantation, with a statistically significant improvement in global score. Pre-operative scores (M = 35.7) were significantly worse than post-operative scores at 6 months (M = 25.7). Conclusions: the present study confirms that the Bonebridge BCI 602 is an innovative and effective solution, especially for patients with conductive and mixed hearing loss due to anatomical ear defects. The Bonebridge BCI 602 system provides valuable and stable audiological and surgical benefits. Subjective assessment also confirms the effectiveness of the BCI 602. The BCI 602 offers the same amplification as the BCI601, but with a smaller size. The smaller dimensions make it an effective treatment option for a wider group of patients, especially children with congenital defects of the outer and middle ear.

scholarly journals Implantable Prosthesis of Osseous Conduction (BAHA): Case Report

2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (02) ◽  
pp. 249-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurico Buschle ◽  
Rita de Cássia Mendes ◽  
André Luiz Ataíde ◽  
Rodrigo Pereira ◽  
Trissia Maria Farah Vassoler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Otitis Externa ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
National Agency ◽  
Severe Hearing Loss ◽  
Mixed Hearing Loss ◽  
Auditory Rehabilitation ◽  
Degree Of Satisfaction

Summary Introduction: The implantable prosthesis of osseous conduction (BAHA) is deemed to be an excellent option in the auditory rehabilitation of patients with conductive and mixed hearing loss, unilaterally or bilaterally, and unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. It has been a good advantage over the conservative bone conduction apparatus and those of individual sound-amplifier apparatus (ISAA), when their usage becomes unfeasible because of chronic otitis externa, which has a hard clinic control. Objective: To introduce the first BAHA case performed in Brazil, as duly authorized by ANVISA (National Agency for Sanitary Surveillance), to rehabilitate the mixed hearing loss with occurrences of chronic otitis externa. Method: 50-year-old female patient with right-ear moderate and left-ear severe hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus derived from otosclerosis, was submitted to 04 surgeries of stapedotomy and unable to use ISAA as a result of otorrhea and bilateral otalgia. The medical and audiological evaluation indicated the benefit of using BAHA. Having surgery been performed and BAHA implemented, the patient showed a significant improvement in audiometric thresholds, speech perception and distinction, as well as she declared to be extremely satisfied with the esthetic factor. Final commentaries: BAHA surgical process is safe, simple and swift, thus providing excellent audiological results and a higher degree of satisfaction to patients.

scholarly journals Audiological results and subjective benefit of an active transcutaneous bone-conduction device in patients with congenital aural atresia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronika Volgger ◽  
Inge Teresa Schießler ◽  
Joachim Müller ◽  
Florian Schrötzlmair ◽  
Marlene Pollotzek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Monosyllabic Word ◽  
Subjective Impression ◽  
Aural Atresia ◽  
Mixed Hearing Loss ◽  
Functional Benefit ◽  
Congenital Aural Atresia ◽  
Bone Conduction Device

Abstract Purpose To review functional and subjective benefit after implantation of an active transcutaneous bone conduction device (BCD) in patients with congenital microtia with atresia or stenosis of the external auditory canal. Methods Retrospective chart analysis and questionnaire on the subjective impression of hearing ( Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ-B) of patients treated between 2012 and 2015. ResultsResults 18 patients (24 ears) with conductive or mixed hearing loss in unilateral (n = 10) or bilateral (n = 8) atresia were implanted with a BCD. No major complications occurred after implantation. Preoperative unaided air conduction pure tone average at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz (PTA 4 ) was 69.2 ± 11.7 dB, while postoperative aided PTA 4 was 33.4 ± 6.3 dB, resulting in a mean functional hearing gain of 35.9 +/- 15.6 dB. Preoperatively, the mean monosyllabic word recognition score was 22.9 % ± 22.3 %, which increased to 87.1 % +/- 15.1 % in the aided condition. The Oldenburger Sentence Test at S0N0 revealed a decrease in signal-to-noise-ratio from − 0.58 ± 4.40 dB in the unaided to − 5.67 ± 3.21 dB in the postoperative aided condition for all patients investigated. 15 of 18 patients had a subjective benefit showing a positive SSQ-B score (mean 1.7). Conclusion The implantation of an active bone conduction device brings along subjective and functional benefit for patients with conductive or combined hearing loss.

One-Year Follow-Up in Children with Conductive Hearing Loss Using ADHEAR

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Mario E. Zernotti ◽  
Elvira Alvarado ◽  
Maximo Zernotti ◽  
Natalia Claveria ◽  
Maria F. Di Gregorio
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Conductive Hearing Loss ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Free Field ◽  
Aural Atresia ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
Conductive Hearing ◽  
Subjective Outcomes

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The ADHEAR™ system (MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria) is a nonsurgical bone conduction device (BCD) to treat conductive hearing loss (CHL) and single-sided deafness. In contrast to the nonsurgical alternatives on headbands or spectacle frames, the audio processor of ADHEAR is placed retroauricularly on an adhesive adapter. The published evidence on the performance of this system is limited to studies with a trial period of 2–8 weeks. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> This study assesses audiological and subjective outcomes over a period of 12 months, on patients with congenital aural atresia (CAA) using the ADHEAR hearing system. <b><i>Method:</i></b> Fifteen children (mean age: 9.4 ± 4 years; range: 5–16 years) diagnosed with CAA (7 uni/8 bilateral) were included in this prospective, observational, repeated-measures study. Each subject used ADHEAR for 1 year, and the performance was evaluated after 1, 6, and 12 months. Free-field audiometry and speech discrimination tests were performed, and hearing-, general health- and device-specific questionnaires were used. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The unaided sound field threshold improved from an average PTA4 of 63.6 ± 3.4 dB HL to an aided average PTA4 of 29.3 ± 3.0 dB HL after 1 month of device use. The word recognition score (WRS) improved from an average of 27.9 ± 15.9% unaided to an aided average WRS of 91.3 ± 4.4% (<i>p</i> = 0.0003) after 1 month, 92.0 ± 4.1% (<i>p</i> = 0.0002) after 6 months, and 92.7 ± 5.3% (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.0001) after 12 months using the ADHEAR system compared to the unaided condition for all 3 time points. The improvements in the speech in noise at 1, 6, and 12 months were as well consistent over time. The average improvement at the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of +5 dB was 58% and 53% at the SNR of +0 dB. No complications were reported, and all patients continued to use the ADHEAR after the study end. The questionnaire results revealed high user satisfaction and an average wearing time of 12 h per day. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> This 12-month trial of the nonsurgical adhesive BCD in CAA patients showed sufficient and reliable audiological and subjective outcomes, long wearing time, and high acceptance. The ADHEAR can be considered a suitable option to treat children with CAA for the given indication, without the drawbacks of nonsurgical devices that use pressure for retention of the audio processor or the costs and possible complications involved with a surgical alternative.

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