Long-term hearing results and evaluation of stability with an active bone conduction device

Introduction : The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term functional hearing results regarding speech perception, auditory sound localization and patient’s satisfaction using the active bone conduction hearing system Bonebridge (MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria).

Material and Methods: Patients implanted from 2012 to 2015 are going to participate in this study. At this moment, we are able to present the data of 8 patients.

Speech perception in quiet was tested with the Freiburg monosyllable test at a presentation level of 65 dB SPL. Speech perception in noise was tested with the Oldenburg sentence test (OLSA) in best-aided condition. Furthermore, we assessed auditory sound localization. To evaluate the patient's acceptance, we used a questionnaire.

Results: The overall average of functional hearing gain (n=8) was 21,77 dB ( ± 11,88dB). Speech perception of monosyllabic words in quiet improved from unaided pre-operative 44.7 %  (0–90 % ) and aided 70.6 %  (45–85 % ) to 71,9 %  (30-100 % ). Mean speech reception thresholds (SRTs) of the OLSA improved in average from -3.8 dB to - 4,79 dB SNR . We found no significant difference in sound localization ability. The localization ability did not improve over the years.

A questionnaire of patients’ acceptance and handling of the implant revealed high patient satisfaction.

Conclusions: After a maximum of over 8 years, 8 of 8 patients (100 % ) still use the implant and benefit from the implanted system. One patient underwent revision surgery due to the implant. Speech perception in quiet and in noise show stable results over the years and significantly improved compared to preoperative unaided measurements. The ability to locate did not improve over the years.

Poster-PDF A-1475.pdf

Conflict of interest

Der Erstautor gibt keinen Interessenskonflikt an.

Publication History

Article published online:
13 May 2021