Vibrant Soundbridge in congenital osseous atresia: multicenter study of 12 patients with osseous atresia

Abstract

Conclusion: The study suggests that the Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) middle ear implant could be a valid alternative for patients with congenital aural atresia to compensate for their hearing loss. Objective: To determine the audiologic benefit the VSB provides in patients with congenital aural atresia. Methods: Twelve patients with congenital aural atresia were implanted with VSB: eight patients were unilaterally atretic (67%) and 4 (33%) were bilaterally atretic. In five cases the implant was placed onto the round window, in another five cases the implant was placed on the stapes, in only one case a prosthesis (coupler) was used to fix the implant into the oval window, and in one case a fenestration on the cochlear endostium was performed. Results: The mean functional gain obtained for all patients evaluated was 62 dB at 0.5 kHz, 60 dB at 1 kHz, 48.3 dB at 2 kHz, and 50.8 dB at 4 kHz. The mean functional gain for all frequencies evaluated was 55.1 dB.

Keywords::

• Congenital aural atresia
• middle ear implant
• functional gain

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.