A novel coupling quality index to estimate the coupling efficiency in Vibrant Soundbridge

The objective-based methods for intraoperative monitoring have been suggested to assess the coupling and the outcomes of Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB). Although several techniques were proposed, they have not been widely adopted due to their complexity and invasiveness.

This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of a new coupling quality index using an intraoperative ABR threshold via AcoustiAP and its correlation with the perioperative measures.

This is a prospective study conducted at a tertiary center. The medical records were retrieved for all patients who underwent VSB implantation and had an intraoperative objective assessment for the coupling efficiency. AcoustiAP was used to evaluate the intraoperative ABR thresholds, which were assessed directly after the floating mass transducer (FMT) placement using acoustic CE-Chirp signals. The Vibrogram was used for the postoperative audiological evaluation. A new coupling quality index was calculated based on the intraoperative ABR thresholds.

Ten patients were eligible for the present study. The ABR thresholds for good coupling ranged from 35 to 60 dBnHL. The loose coupling thresholds ranged considerably from 40 to 100 dBnHL. Overall, the median intraoperative ABR threshold at good coupling was 42.5 (40-60) dBnHL and 60 (40-100) dBnHL at loose coupling. The analysis showed that there was a significant change in the coupling quality index at the good and loose coupling points (24.3 ± 14 vs 38.8 ± 18.2, respectively, p < 0.001). At a cut-off value of 22.6 dB, the coupling quality index had a sensitivity of 70%  and specificity of 90% for discriminating good and loose coupling.

This study provides evidence for the utility of intraoperative ABR measurements in predicting the coupling efficiency in patients with VSB. Our results showed that the coupling quality index had an acceptable accuracy in discriminating between good and poor coupling, which can help clinicians optimize the fitting process for individuals and may ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes.