Transcutaneous Bone Conduction Implants in Patients With Single-Sided Deafness: Objective and Subjective Evaluation

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Otolaryngology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Single-sided deafness (SSD) presents unique challenges in hearing rehabilitation.
• Bone conduction implants (BCIs) offer a potential solution for SSD by utilizing bone conduction pathways.
• Transcutaneous BCIs provide a less invasive approach compared to traditional percutaneous devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the audiological outcomes of transcutaneous bone conduction implants (BCIs) in patients with single-sided deafness (SSD).
• To assess the subjective benefits and patient satisfaction with transcutaneous BCIs for SSD.
• To compare preoperative and postoperative hearing performance in SSD patients receiving BCIs.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 11 patients with SSD who underwent transcutaneous BCI implantation.
• Audiological assessments including pure-tone audiometry, speech reception threshold (SRT), and speech-in-noise (SPIN) tests.
• Pre- and post-implantation comparisons and subjective satisfaction evaluation via validated questionnaires.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in audiological outcomes, including SRT and SPIN scores, were observed post-implantation.
• Mean SRT improved from 109 dB to 23 dB (p = 0.001), indicating substantial hearing gain.
• Subjective questionnaires revealed a high level of patient satisfaction and overall benefit from transcutaneous BCDs.

Conclusions:

• Transcutaneous bone conduction devices (BCDs) are a promising alternative treatment for SSD.
• These devices demonstrate favorable audiological results and high patient satisfaction.
• Further research is warranted to optimize hearing solutions for SSD patients.