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Sound Source Localization Testing in Single-sided Deafness Following Bone Conduction Intervention
Published on: December 20, 2024
Patient reported outcome measures in unilateral aural atresia treated using a transcutaneous bone conduction implant
Carolina Grau Luque1, Alice Q Liu1, Julie Pauwels1
1Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Insights
Transcutaneous bone conduction hearing implants (TCBI) show high compliance and improve hearing in children with unilateral aural atresia (UAA). These devices significantly enhance quality of life and hearing measures for pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Unilateral aural atresia (UAA) causes significant conductive hearing loss in children.
- Transcutaneous bone conduction hearing implants (TCBI) offer a potential solution for hearing rehabilitation in UAA patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term compliance, complications, and quality of life in pediatric patients with UAA using TCBI.
- To assess the audiological benefits and patient-reported outcomes associated with TCBI in this population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case series of 9 pediatric patients with UAA who received the Cochlear Baha Attract® TCBI between 2014-2018.
- Data collection included chart review for demographic and audiological data, and a prospective telephone survey using the Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory (GCBI).
- Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and univariate analysis.
Main Results:
- All 9 eligible patients (100%) completed the study with a mean follow-up of 33 months.
- Mean daily TCBI use was 7.7 hours/day, with significant improvements in pure tone average and speech-in-noise scores (p < 0.001).
- 89% of patients reported improved quality of life, with a median GCBI score of +14.6, indicating overall positive benefit.
Conclusions:
- TCBI demonstrates high long-term compliance and daily usage in pediatric patients with UAA.
- TCBI significantly improves hearing measures and enhances the quality of life for the majority of patients.
- No demographic factors were found to significantly impact daily use or quality of life outcomes.
Objectives:
Unilateral aural atresia (UAA) is a congenital condition that is associated with maximal conductive hearing loss. The primary objective of this study was to assess the long-term compliance, complications, and quality of life of pediatric patients with UAA who had transcutaneous bone conduction hearing implants (TCBI).
Methods:
Retrospective consecutive case series at a single centre between 2014 and 2018. Inclusion criteria consisted of UAA patients between 5 to 17 years-old receiving the Cochlear Baha Attract ® device. Demographic and audiologic data was extracted from charts. A prospective telephone survey was done, with patients and their families completing the Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory (GCBI). Basic descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and a univariate analysis were completed.
Results:
Data was successfully collected from all 9 eligible children who received the Cochlear Baha Attract ® device for UAA (100%). The mean follow-up duration was 33 months after TBCI (9-60 months). The mean daily use was 7.7 h/day. Pure tone average and mean speech in noise scores were both significantly improved when comparing the unaided condition to the aided condition with TCBI (p < 0.001). The majority (89%) of patients had an improvement in GCBI; the median GCBI score was +14.6, indicating overall positive benefit. A linear regression showed no demographic variables were significant for mean daily use or GCBI scores.
Conclusion:
This preliminary study showed that patients with a TCBI for UAA had high long-term compliance and daily usage rates. TCBI improved the quality of life for the majority of patients and significantly improved hearing measures.
