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Bilateral bone-anchored hearing aid application in children: the Nijmegen experience from 1996 to 2008
Catharina A J Dun1, Maarten J F de Wolf, Emmanuel A M Mylanus
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. C.Dun@kno.umcn.nl
Insights
Bilateral Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHAs) significantly benefit children and young adults with hearing loss, with most using them daily. These devices improve hearing quality and spatial awareness, supporting early application from age four.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
Background:
- Bilateral conductive hearing loss in children and young adults presents unique challenges for auditory rehabilitation.
- Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHAs) offer a potential solution for hearing restoration in such cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical outcomes and quality of life in pediatric and young adult patients using bilateral BAHAs.
- To assess the efficacy and patient-reported benefits of simultaneous bilateral BAHA use.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 27 patients with bilateral conductive hearing loss fitted with bilateral BAHAs.
- Utilized the "Daily use of bilateral BAHAs" questionnaire, Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory, and a modified Speech Spatial and Qualities of Hearing scale.
- 21 patients responded to postal questionnaires.
Main Results:
- 91% of respondents used both BAHAs daily; 70% reported improved hearing quality.
- The Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory showed a significant subjective overall benefit (+38).
- A trend towards better spatial hearing was observed with earlier bilateral BAHA application.
Conclusions:
- Simultaneous bilateral percutaneous BAHAs are feasible from age 4, following a trial with alternatives like the BAHA Softband.
- Bilateral BAHAs demonstrate substantial benefits for the majority of pediatric and young adult users.
- Further audiologic testing is recommended to objectively assess bilateral BAHA outcomes.
Objective:
This study presents clinical data and quality of life questionnaire outcomes in children and young adults with bilateral Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHAs).
Study Design:
Retrospective review.
Setting:
Tertiary care referral center.
Patients:
Eligible study subjects comprised 27 patients with bilateral conductive hearing loss fitted with bilateral BAHAs in childhood or as young adults at the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre between June 1996 and October 2008.
Methods:
Questionnaires comprised the "Daily use of bilateral BAHAs" questionnaire, the Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory, and the Speech Spatial and Qualities of Hearing scale modified for children.
Results:
A total of 23 children were selected to fill out the postal questionnaires; 21 (91%) of them responded. In 90%, both BAHAs were being used 7 days a week. One child was using 1 BAHA but not the other, and one child was only using both BAHAs at school. Nine children reported that they switched off both BAHAs when the background became too noisy. Bilateral BAHAs provided better hearing quality according to 70%. The Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory demonstrated subjective overall benefit of +38 (n = 20). The spatial domain of the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing scale showed a trend toward better spatial hearing with decreasing age at bilateral application.
Conclusion:
Bilateral percutaneous BAHAs can be applied simultaneously from the age of 4 years, after a successful trial period with the BAHA Softband or other equivalent hearing aids. Bilateral BAHAs showed clear benefit in the vast majority. Outcomes of bilateral audiologic testing are needed in the near future.
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