Skin tolerance and adaptation following implantation of the Xomed Audiant bone conductor.

Placement of the Xomed Audiant implantable bone conduction hearing prosthesis was initially restricted to a limited number of investigators. It was introduced to other otolaryngologists in a workshop on August 15-16, 1986. There have since been several workshops offered by Xomed and Dr. Hough, who developed the device, to train otolaryngologists how to implant this device. The literature thus far is limited to the experience of Hough and others involved with his initial trials. He has not reported any significant complications associated with this device. The purpose of this paper is to communicate a complication resulting from the use of this device. Skin ulceration over the implant resulted from excessive use of the hearing prosthesis within 2 weeks of the initial fitting. Other contributing factors in the breakdown of skin will be discussed along with suggestions regarding prevention.