Sentio Bone-Conduction Implant: Early Outcomes in Patients With Conductive or Mixed Hearing Loss

Sentio (Oticon Medical) is an active bone-conduction implant approved in 2024. This study evaluates initial clinical outcomes, safety, and audiological efficacy of the Sentio in patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss.

A total of 28 patients (10 conductive, 18 mixed hearing loss) were implanted with Sentio. Preoperative assessments included pure-tone audiometry and speech recognition testing in unaided and aided conditions. Postoperative evaluations of hearing thresholds and speech recognition were performed in free field. Subjective benefit was assessed using the APHAB questionnaire before and after implantation. The first follow-up occurred 1 month after activation.

All surgeries were completed without complications. One patient required revision surgery, which was successful. No other adverse events occurred. Mean hearing threshold improved from 56.3 dB HL (unaided) and 31.7 dB HL with Ponto on a softband to 25.3 dB HL post-activation and remained stable at 1-month follow-up (p < 0.001). Speech discrimination was 11.9% preoperatively (unaided) and 85.5% with Ponto. It reached 87.3% at activation and 93.3% at the follow-up (p < 0.001). Speech perception in noise was +1.97 dB SNR before implantation (unaided) and 2.22 dB SNR (aided), -2.04 dB SNR at implant activation and -2.67 dB SNR at the follow-up (p < 0.001 for implant conditions vs. unaided). APHAB global score decreased from 53.2 points preoperatively to 32.6 points postoperatively (p < 0.001).

Sentio implantation appears effective and safe for the rehabilitation of conductive or mixed hearing loss. The first clinical results demonstrate audiological improvement and subjective benefit, supporting the potential of the system as a reliable bone-conduction hearing solution.