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Long-Term Clinical Performance of a Wide-Diameter Bone-Anchored Hearing Implant: Over 10 Years of Follow-up
Carine Hajema1, Emma M Teunissen2, Coosje J I Caspers2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Objective:
To investigate long-term survival and stability of a wide-diameter bone-anchored hearing implant, soft tissue reactions, and quality of life at least 10 years after implantation.
Study Design:
This study is a continuation of previously published single-center trials with 6-month, 3-year, and 5-year results, adding one follow-up visit at least 10 years postimplantation.
Patients And Main Outcome Measures:
A total of 48 patients (49 implants) from 63 participants in previous trials, all of whom received the Ponto Wide implant, were included. Implant survival was evaluated for all 63 patients (65 implants). Most patients attended the outpatient clinic, where implant stability was measured and soft tissue reactions around the abutment were assessed using the Holgers classification and IPS scale. In addition, quality of life was evaluated using the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) questionnaires.
Results:
The 10-year implant survival rate was 95.4%, including explantations. At the ≥10-year follow-up visit, ISQ values were higher compared to baseline at surgery, and minor skin reactions were observed in only 3 patients. No adverse skin reactions occurred. Hearing-related quality of life improved in 92.1% of patients (GBI) compared to before the intervention, and the median IOI-HA score was 4.3 (IQR: 3.7-4.6), indicating a high level of satisfaction.
Conclusion:
The Ponto Wide implant shows excellent long-term outcomes with high implant survival, sustained stability, very low soft tissue complications, and high patient-reported satisfaction. These results confirm that the early advantages of this wide implant persist over time.
