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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Bonebridge active transcutaneous bone conduction hearing implant: Results in the pediatric population
Laura Cavallé Garrido1, Carlos de Paula Vernetta1, Abel Guzmán Calvete2
1Otorhinolaryngology Service, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital of Valencia, Spain; Departamento de Cirugía. Universidad de Valencia, Spain.
Purpose:
This study provides prospective and retrospective data on safety and performance results with the Bonebridge BCI 602 (MED-EL) active transcutaneous bone conduction implant in children.
Methods:
Audiological data were collected at 3 intervals (preoperative, initial activation and 3 months postoperative). Quality of life was assessed with the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing (SSQ12/P), KID KINDL and Audio Processor Satisfaction Questionnaire (APSQ) as well as a postoperative questionnaire specifically designed for this study.
Results:
22 pediatric patients (20 conductive/mixed hearing loss (CHL/MHL) and 2 single-sided deafness (SSD)) aged 4-17 received a BCI 602. Three-month post-op pure-tone average (PTA4) functional gain (FG) was 31.9 dB HL for the CHL/MHL group and 11.3 dB HL in the SSD patients. CHL/MHL patients had a mean word recognition score (WRS) improvement of 80.6 ± 23.9 % at initial activation and 83 ± 20.3 % at 3 months post-op. Speech recognition in noise at +5 dB SNR in the CHL/MHL group improved from 24.6 ± 28.3 % unaided to 74.9 ± 26 % aided at 3 months post-op. The mean post-op total scores were 5.5 ± 1.8 on the SSQ12/P and 8.87 ± 0.93 on the APSQ questionnaires. No major complications were noted on the postoperative questionnaire; minor complications were resolved by the end of the study. Stable bone and air conduction thresholds confirmed device safety.
Conclusion:
The Bonebridge BCI 602 is safe and effective for use in the pediatric population.
