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A Novel Method to Determine the Maximum Output of Individual Patients for an Active Transcutaneous Bone Conduction
Mohammad Ghoncheh1, Susan Busch1,2, Thomas Lenarz1,2
1Department of Otolaryngology and Institute of Audioneurotechnology (VIANNA), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
Ear and Hearing
|August 15, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a new method to determine the maximum output hearing level (MOHL) for bone conduction (BC) devices using patient audiometric data. The findings show MOHL is higher on the implanted side, crucial for treating hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Maximum output of bone conduction (BC) devices is critical for treating conductive or mixed hearing loss.
- Previous methods for determining transcutaneous BC device output are invasive or indirect.
- A reliable method is needed to assess the maximum output hearing level (MOHL) of active transcutaneous BC devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate a novel method for determining the MOHL of transcutaneous active BC devices.
- To utilize patient audiometric data for assessing device output.
- To compare MOHL between ipsilateral and contralateral sides in patients with BC devices.
Main Methods:
- Determined the MOHL of the Bonebridge device using patient audiometric and direct BC thresholds.
- Included 71 patients implanted with the Bonebridge device (2011-2020).
- Analyzed MOHLs by grouping patients based on average and frequency-specific audiometric BC thresholds (ipsilateral vs. contralateral).
Main Results:
- Frequency-specific average ipsilateral MOHLs ranged from 51 to 73 dB HL.
- Average contralateral MOHLs ranged from 43 to 67 dB HL.
- Average MOHLs were 4-8 dB higher on the ipsilateral (implanted) side compared to the contralateral side, with significant differences (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- The proposed method effectively determines individual frequency-specific MOHL using routine clinical data.
- The MOHL of transcutaneous BC devices is consistently higher on the ipsilateral (implanted) side.
- This method aids in optimizing BC device fitting and treatment outcomes for hearing loss.
