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Next-Day Loading of a Bone-Anchored Hearing System: Preliminary Results
John T McElveen1, J Douglas Green2, Moises A Arriaga3
1Carolina Ear and Hearing Clinic, PC, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
Summary
Next-day loading of percutaneous bone-anchored hearing devices is feasible and effective for patients with hearing loss. This approach offers a faster alternative to traditional delayed loading, showing stable implants and good patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Traditional bone-anchored hearing devices (BAHDs) require a 3-month healing period before processor fitting.
- Advancements in implant technology may allow for earlier loading, improving patient experience and audiological rehabilitation timelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and efficacy of next-day loading for a 4.5-mm laser-etched percutaneous BAHD.
- To evaluate implant stability and audiological benefit following immediate processor fitting.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter prospective cohort study involving 12 adult subjects with conductive/mixed hearing loss or single-sided deafness.
- Implantation of 4.5-mm laser-etched BAHDs, with processor fitting on postoperative day 1.
- Assessment of surgical site (Holgers Scale), implant stability (manual palpation, resonance frequency analysis), and patient-reported outcomes (Glasgow Benefit Inventory, Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit).
Main Results:
- Fourteen devices were implanted; all demonstrated firm stability throughout the 12-month follow-up.
- Implant Stability Quotient values remained stable or increased post-implantation.
- Minimal soft tissue irritation (Holgers grade 0-1) was observed.
- Significant audiological benefits were reported, with mean Glasgow Benefit Inventory score of +43.8 and Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit score of 60.2%.
Conclusions:
- Next-day loading of this specific 4.5-mm BAHD is a feasible and effective alternative to the conventional 3-month delayed loading protocol.
- Preliminary results support further investigation into expedited loading strategies for BAHDs to improve audiological rehabilitation.
- This approach shows promise for faster restoration of hearing function in eligible patients.
