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Intraoperative measurement for a new transcutaneous bone conduction hearing implant
Johannes Schnabl1, Astrid Wolf-Magele, Stefan Marcel Pok
1*Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Karl Landsteiner University Hospital, St. Pölten, Austria; †Karl Landsteiner Institut für implantierbare Hörsysteme; and ‡Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Systematic Anatomy, Medical University Vienna, Austria.
Summary
Intraoperative reverse transfer function (RTF) measurements can objectively verify the mechanical coupling and functional integrity of new transcutaneous bone conduction hearing implants during surgery.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Conductive hearing loss necessitates advanced auditory prosthetics.
- Transcutaneous bone conduction hearing implants offer a novel solution for hearing restoration.
- Intraoperative device assessment is crucial for surgical success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of using a modified reverse transfer function (RTF) measurement during surgery.
- To assess the status of a new transcutaneous bone conduction hearing implant intraoperatively.
- To determine if RTF can confirm device function and coupling.
Main Methods:
- Preclinical testing on a cadaver skull.
- Intraoperative RTF measurements on two patients with conductive hearing loss.
- Utilized a novel transcutaneous bone conduction implant.
- Measured RTF using a forehead-mounted microphone.
Main Results:
- Successful RTF measurement across the 500 to 6,000 Hz frequency range.
- Demonstrated the ability to obtain readings during the surgical procedure.
- Confirmed the audibility of the implant's performance.
Conclusions:
- Intraoperative RTF measurement is a viable method for assessing implant status.
- This technique can objectively verify the mechanical coupling of the bone conduction floating mass transducer.
- RTF measurements provide a reliable way to test the functional integrity of the implant.
