Quality of life in children fitted with a bone-anchored hearing aid

To evaluate the self-rated quality of life and benefits associated with the use of a Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA). To assess any change in health status after a BAHA.

This was a retrospective postal questionnaire study. The Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory was the validated tool used.Children with a BAHA on the Birmingham pediatric Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid Programme from February 1992 to February 2007 were included.

One hundred fifteen children were sent a postal questionnaire. Eighty-four were returned, giving a response rate of 73%. All children had worn their BAHA for more than 6 months. Children with an implant-retained auricular prosthesis were excluded from the study, as were children who were older than 16 years at the time of the questionnaire. Patients with bilateral BAHA were advised to answer the questionnaire with reference to their first BAHA.

The BAHA was a success in the pediatric population. All 84 children reported a positive benefit with their BAHA. The median benefit score was +54. No child demonstrated deterioration in health status after their BAHA.

The use of a BAHA significantly enhanced general well-being, improved patient state of health (quality of life), and finally, was considered a success by patients and their families. This study demonstrates a significant benefit from BAHA as measured by the Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory.