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Early activation of active middle ear implants: a prospective study
Medhat F Yousef1,2, Eman Hajr3, Athair Alradhi4
1King Abdullah Ear Specialist Center (KAESC), College of Medicine, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. medhatf78@yahoo.com.
Summary
Early activation of the Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) is safe and feasible. This approach may reduce waiting times for patients needing active middle ear implants without impacting audiological outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Audiology
Background:
- Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) is an active middle ear implant for hearing loss.
- Advancements in surgical techniques have improved VSB outcomes.
- Traditional VSB activation is delayed for healing, but other hearing devices now have shorter waiting times.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility, safety, and benefits of early VSB activation.
- To compare early activation outcomes with traditional delayed activation.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study with two phases.
- Phase 1: Initial use day after surgery, standard fitting at 4 weeks.
- Phase 2: Early fitting and regular use starting the first business day after surgery.
Main Results:
- Early VSB activation was successful in all patients.
- No significant complications were observed with early activation.
- No statistically significant changes in audiological parameters or fitting were found between early and one-month follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Early VSB activation is possible and may reduce patient wait times.
- Early activation does not compromise device function or audiological results.
- Further research is needed to confirm long-term outcomes in larger patient groups.
