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Published on: June 24, 2018
Biofilm formation on bone-anchored hearing aids.
P Monksfield1, I L C Chapple, J B Matthews
1Dept of Otolaryngology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Medical Q2 Centre, Birmingham, UK.
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|August 23, 2011
Summary
Microbial biofilm contamination was found on retrieved bone-anchored hearing aids and their screws. This internal contamination may be linked to device failure, suggesting a need for further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Biomaterials Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) are crucial for hearing restoration.
- Implant failure can occur, but the underlying causes require further elucidation.
- Microbiological contamination is a potential factor in implant complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microbiological biofilm contamination in retrieved bone-anchored hearing aids.
- To examine the internal components of failed BAHA devices for microbial presence.
- To explore the relationship between contamination and device failure.
Main Methods:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine nine failed BAHA devices and 16 internal screws.
- A failing implant fixture was cultured under aseptic conditions.
- A new, unimplanted fixture's internal screw was analyzed via SEM for comparison.
Main Results:
- Debris and biofilm were observed on the fixtures, abutments, and internal screws of all retrieved BAHA devices.
- Biofilm extended to the screw threads, reaching several micrometres in thickness on eight screws.
- Staphylococcus was cultured from a failing fixture, and metallic debris was noted on a new screw, potentially causing microleakage.
Conclusions:
- Internal microbial contamination is present in retrieved bone-anchored hearing aids.
- A potential link exists between internal microbial contamination and BAHA failure.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the causal relationship between contamination and device failure.
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