Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
Sound Source Localization Testing in Single-sided Deafness Following Bone Conduction Intervention
Published on: December 20, 2024
Postoperative validation of bone-anchored implants in the single-sided deafness population
Hillary Snapp1, Simon Angeli, Fred F Telischi
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA. hsnapp@med.miami.edu
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to present objective and subjective outcomes on speech-in-noise testing as a predictor of patient performance after bone-anchored implant surgery in patients with single-sided deafness (SSD).
Design:
Retrospective review of adult subjects who received bone-anchored implants for the indication of SSD comparing results on speech-in-noise measures in the unaided condition to postoperative aided condition using the patient's external bone-anchored implant processor as a validation of device performance.
Setting:
Tertiary referral center providing outpatient surgical and audiologic care.
Patients:
Adult English speaking subjects with SSD who underwent bone-anchored implantation between 2005 and 2010.
Intervention:
Subjects were evaluated with speech-in-noise measures in the sound field using a 90/270 speaker configuration in both the unaided and aided implant condition for validation of implant performance. Subjective benefit was evaluated using the Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile.
Main Outcome Measures:
Outcome measures included signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) loss and word recognition ability in noise as measured using the QuickSIN and the Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile.
Results:
A significant improvement in speech-in-noise measures was noted in the postoperative aided condition when compared with the unaided condition (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p < 0.0001). Significant decrease in disability postoperatively also was observed (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p < 0.001). Positive associations were observed for postoperative aided SNR loss and benefit, satisfaction, and use. Passing-Bablok regression analysis showed the preoperative and postoperative results to be statistically equivalent.
Conclusion:
The results support the use of speech-in-noise measures as an accurate postimplantation assessment of overall benefit in patients with SSD. SNR loss is a good predictor of postoperative subjective benefit and satisfaction.