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Percutaneous bone-anchored hearing aids at a pediatric institution
I Béjar-Solar1, M Rosete, M de Jesus Madrazo
1Departments of Otolaryngology, Audiology, Mental Health, and Social Work, Hospital Infantil de México "Federico Gómez.", Mexico City. ignaciobejar@mexis.com
Summary
The percutaneous bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) significantly improves hearing and patient satisfaction in children with congenital bilateral aural atresia. Careful patient selection is key for successful long-term use of this hearing device.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Congenital bilateral aural atresia presents significant hearing challenges.
- Conventional bone-conduction hearing aids may offer limited benefits.
- Percutaneous bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) offer a potential alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate hearing outcomes, complications, and patient satisfaction with percutaneous bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA).
- To assess the long-term success of BAHA through careful patient selection.
- To compare BAHA performance with conventional bone-conduction hearing aids (CBCA).
Main Methods:
- Prospective longitudinal study of 11 participants (ages 5-17) with congenital bilateral aural atresia.
- Two-stage BAHA implantation surgery.
- Audiologic evaluation (PTA, speech discrimination) and patient satisfaction surveys pre- and post-implantation, with a minimum 24-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in PTA free-field air conduction (37%) and speech discrimination (23%).
- Successful integration and use in 10 out of 11 participants.
- All participants preferred BAHA over their previous CBCA.
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) is a valuable tool for improving hearing in pediatric patients with bilateral aural atresia.
- High patient and parent satisfaction reported.
- Careful patient selection is strongly correlated with successful long-term BAHA use.