Transcutaneous Baha Attract system: Long-term outcomes of the French multicenter study

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Audiology

Background:

• Traditional bone conduction implants can cause skin complications, impacting patient quality of life.
• The Baha® Attract transcutaneous magnetic system was developed to minimize these skin issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate surgical, auditory, and quality of life outcomes in patients using the Baha® Attract implant.
• To assess the efficacy and safety of the transcutaneous magnetic bone conduction system.

Main Methods:

• A prospective multicentre cohort study involving 32 patients with conductive/mixed hearing loss or single-sided deafness.
• Postoperative follow-up included soft tissue analysis, magnet strength measurement, audiometric evaluation (quiet and noise), and quality of life questionnaires.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in speech recognition threshold in quiet and functional gain in noise.
• All quality of life scores improved, with APHAB scores correlating with audiometric outcomes.
• Magnet strength decreased post-surgery, but no skin complications were reported.

Conclusions:

• The Baha® Attract technology provides significant hearing gain and enhances quality of life.
• While skin complications were avoided, monitoring soft tissue changes in the first year is advised.
• The implant's reversibility is a key advantage for potential future system changes.