Long term benefit of bone anchored hearing systems in single sided deafness

Abstract

Conclusion: Bone Anchored Hearing Systems (BAHS) can be expected to still be used by ∼85% of patients with single sided deafness (SSD) 5 years after implantation, and by ∼50% after 10 years. Objectives: To investigate the long-term use of BAHS and the reasons to stop.

Method: This was a retrospective chart review of all 33 German speaking adults with SSD who had been implanted with a BAHS at one center and of whom the implant status and use of the BAHS were known.

Results: Ranging from 2.6–12.3 years after BAHS implantation, 21 implantees (63.6%) were still using their device (average use = 7.9 years). Seven (21.2%) had stopped using their BAHS because of insufficient benefit (audiologic reasons). The subjective assessment of the benefit of the BAHS differs significantly from the users. Five former users (15.2%) became non-users for reasons unrelated to their hearing performance, namely infections, implant loss, difficulties with the handling, or aesthetic reasons.

Keywords:

• Bone anchored hearing aids
• unilateral deafness
• BBSS questionnaire

Disclosure statement

This study has been performed by and at the University Hospital at Bern and has not been supported by any company, foundation, or external institution. M.K. has received funding for previous projects from Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions, Sweden.