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Surgical Site Comparison of Two Active Implantable Transcutaneous Bone Conduction Hearing Aid Generations
Benjamin Loader1,2, Hana Stohlawetz1, Elisabeth Sterrer1,2
1Klinik Landstraße, Wiener Gesundheitsverbund, Vienna, Austria.
Summary
This study compared two generations of transcutaneous active bone conduction implants, finding both offer significant hearing improvements and low complication rates. The newer BCI602 model provides more placement flexibility and better speech recognition.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Audiology
Background:
- Transcutaneous active bone conduction implants (BCI) offer a solution for hearing loss.
- Two generations, BCI601 and BCI602, exist with differing surgical characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate surgical placement, complication rates, and audiological outcomes of BCI601 and BCI602 implants.
- To compare the performance and safety of the two generations of bone conduction implants.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 50 BCI601 and BCI602 implant surgeries (March 2015 - April 2023).
- Assessment of surgical site, complications, functional gain (4-PTA), and speech performance in quiet.
Main Results:
- Significant average 4-PTA improvement of 24.3 dB and speech perception gains.
- BCI602 demonstrated superior word recognition scores at 80 dB SPL compared to BCI601.
- Low complication rates (1 wound revision, 2 explantations); BCI602 offered reduced drilling depth and lift usage.
Conclusions:
- Both BCI generations provide significant functional hearing outcomes with low complication risks.
- The BCI602 offers enhanced surgical placement options due to reduced drilling depth.
- The newer BCI602 variant shows improved speech recognition performance.
