Transcutaneous bone conductive implants in patients with conductive/mixed hearing loss: audiological outcomes in noise condition.

BACKGROUND

Recently, the use of transcutaneous bone conduction implants (BCIs) has been increased. However, scarce data about BCI hearing recovery in noise conditions have been reported.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the audiological benefits obtained with transcutaneous BCI-Sophono Alpha System in noise conditions. To evaluate post-implantation clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fourteen patients suffering from conductive or mixed hearing loss implanted with the Sophono Alpha System were evaluated. Patients underwent physical examination, free-field pure-tone and speech audiometry both in unaided and aided conditions. The matrix sentence test was employed with fixed noise at 65 dB, and with a fluctuating primary signal, in three different conditions of noise presentations (S0/N0, S0/Ncontra, S0/Nipsi).

RESULTS

Hearing gain, expressed as the difference between pre-implant AC and post-implant SAS free field, was on average 26.7 dB. The unaided speech recognition score in quiet conditions had a mean value of 64.6%, and improved after SAS implantation, achieving mean values of 98.2%. SRT with the matrix sentence test improved in all three conditions of noise presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Sophono Alpha System devices represent a valid treatment option for hearing rehabilitation of patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss. The audiological results regarding hearing gain in noise conditions were good.