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Updated: Oct 23, 2025
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Sound Source Localization Testing in Single-sided Deafness Following Bone Conduction Intervention
Published on: December 20, 2024
542
Long-term audiological benefit with an active transcutaneous bone-conduction device: a retrospective cohort analysis
Julia Hundertpfund1, Jens Eduard Meyer1,2, Attila Ovari3,4,5
1Asklepios Medical School, Semmelweis University, Hamburg, Germany.
Summary
This study shows that active transcutaneous bone-conduction devices (tBCDs) offer significant long-term hearing improvement for adults with conductive (CHL) and mixed hearing loss (MHL). The tBCD is a safe and effective option for hearing rehabilitation, with low explant rates.
Area of Science:
- Audiology and Otolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Conductive hearing loss (CHL) and mixed hearing loss (MHL) can significantly impact quality of life.
- Active transcutaneous bone-conduction devices (tBCDs) offer a potential solution for hearing rehabilitation in complex cases.
- Long-term outcomes of tBCD use in a challenging patient population require thorough evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term audiological, surgical, and safety outcomes of active tBCDs in adults with CHL and MHL.
- To evaluate the efficacy of tBCDs over extended follow-up periods (beyond 12 months).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, monocentric cohort analysis of 31 adult patients with CHL or MHL treated with tBCDs.
- Outcomes analyzed based on short-term (<12 months) and long-term (>12 months) follow-up data.
- Audiological assessments included pure-tone average (PTA) thresholds and speech intelligibility tests.
Main Results:
- Significant improvement in mean BCD-aided PTA thresholds compared to unaided thresholds, maintained long-term.
- Marked enhancement in speech intelligibility, from 16.3% unaided to over 82% aided in both short- and long-term follow-ups.
- A total of 16 adverse events (AEs) were recorded: 10 minor procedure-related and 6 implant-related (1 major).
Conclusions:
- Active tBCDs provide substantial and sustained audiological and speech benefits for patients with CHL and MHL up to 7 years.
- The device demonstrates a very low explant rate, indicating good long-term tolerance.
- Despite a high rate of manageable AEs in this complex cohort, the tBCD is deemed a safe and effective long-term hearing rehabilitation solution.
