Longitudinal long-term examination of the audiological outcome and the complication rate after implantation of the Bonebridge^®

Introduction The Bonebridge^® bone conduction implant (BB) is in clinical use since 2011. The main indications are a combined hearing loss (comb.HL), malformations (MA) and single-sided deafness (SSD). The aim of the present study was the evaluation of the long-term audiological results, as well as the analysis of implant-(in)dependent complications in the group of patients who were treated with this hearing system.

Method In a retrospective study, audiological data was examined from all patients who were implanted with the BB between 2011 and 2018. Demographic data of the patients, the history of the disease, the audiological outcome as well as the revisions and complications were analyzed.

Results The patient collective consisted of 38 patients (42 ears) with an average age of 39 (min. 5 – max. 77) years at the time of implantation. 11 patients were implanted with comb. HL., 6 with SSD and 18 with MA. In the group of Comb. HL and MA stable audiological results, without a drop in bone conduction threshold was documented. The group of SSD patients also showed a stable benefit by the BB. Collectively, 1 implant-dependent (implant failure) and 3 implant-independent complications occurred.

Discussion The Bonebridge^® is an implantable hearing system that can be used safely in patients with different indications. The present work has shown that in the longitudinal course the system yields very satisfactory audiological results and the rate of complications is very low.

Poster-PDF A-1403.PDF

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020