Intermediate outcomes of a transcutaneous bone conduction hearing device in a paediatric population

The aim of this study was to review the outcomes of Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA^®) Attract implantation in a cohort of paediatric patients.

Prospective data collection and case review were undertaken in a paediatric tertiary referral centre. We have included patients under the age of 16 years with unilateral or bilateral hearing loss that met the criteria for BAHA^® Attract implantation. The main outcome measures were surgical complications and Patient Reported Outcomes including the 'Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing scale' (SSQ-12) and 'Qualitative Feedback for BAHA^® 5 Hearing Aids'.

Twenty-five paediatric patients were implanted with the BAHA^® Attract between June 2014 and July 2016. Nine of them had a conversion from a percutaneous Bone Conduction Hearing Device (BCHD). Four children had minor skin problems that settled with conservative measures. Two children with a previous percutaneous BCHD developed skin dehiscence over the magnet after conversion to the transcutaneous version. The SSQ-12 was completed by 6 children and an improvement of 22% was noted between the unaided and aided condition. The patients and their parents were generally satisfied with the BAHA^® Attract.

The BAHA^® Attract offers a good solution for hearing rehabilitation in appropriately selected and counseled patients. The complication rate was low for primary surgery but higher in cases of conversion from a percutaneous device. Large, prospective data is needed to evaluate the relative risks and benefits of this BCHD.