Intermediate outcomes of a transcutaneous bone conduction hearing device in a paediatric population.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to review the outcomes of Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) Attract implantation in a cohort of paediatric patients.

METHODS

Prospective data collection and case review were undertaken in a paediatric tertiary referral centre. We have included patients under the age of 16 years with unilateral or bilateral hearing loss that met the criteria for BAHA Attract implantation. The main outcome measures were surgical complications and Patient Reported Outcomes including the 'Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing scale' (SSQ-12) and 'Qualitative Feedback for BAHA 5 Hearing Aids'.

RESULTS

Twenty-five paediatric patients were implanted with the BAHA Attract between June 2014 and July 2016. Nine of them had a conversion from a percutaneous Bone Conduction Hearing Device (BCHD). Four children had minor skin problems that settled with conservative measures. Two children with a previous percutaneous BCHD developed skin dehiscence over the magnet after conversion to the transcutaneous version. The SSQ-12 was completed by 6 children and an improvement of 22% was noted between the unaided and aided condition. The patients and their parents were generally satisfied with the BAHA Attract.

CONCLUSIONS

The BAHA Attract offers a good solution for hearing rehabilitation in appropriately selected and counseled patients. The complication rate was low for primary surgery but higher in cases of conversion from a percutaneous device. Large, prospective data is needed to evaluate the relative risks and benefits of this BCHD.