Comparison of two bone anchored hearing instruments: BP100 and Ponto Pro

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed at investigating if there were differences in auditory performance, operation, or user preference between the Ponto Pro or the BP100, two bone anchored hearing instruments (BAHI) with modern sound processing technology. Design: Subjects wore the devices in daily life in a crossover study for periods ranging from 25 to 63 days. A speech-in-noise test was carried out as well as measures of noise reduction and feedback suppression algorithms. User satisfaction was reported using the NSH and the GHABP questionnaires. At the end of the test, subjects selected one of the devices for permanent use. Study sample: Twelve first-time users of BAHIs. Results: Eight subjects selected the Ponto Pro; four selected the BP100. The Ponto Pro was rated as easier to operate than the BP100, the visual appearance of the Ponto Pro was rated as nicer than that of the BP100, and speech understanding was rated higher with the Ponto Pro than with the BP100. Speech-in-noise tests showed improvements using directional microphones with the Ponto Pro. Conclusions: 67% of the subjects opted for permanent use of the Ponto Pro, which, compared to the BP100, was rated to have a nicer look, to be easier to operate, and to yield better speech intelligibility.

Sumario

Objetivo: Se propuso este estudio para investigar si existen diferencias en el rendimiento auditivo, la operación o la preferencia del usuario, entre los instrumentos auditivos osteo-integrados (BAHI) Ponto Pro y el BP100, con tecnología moderna de procesamiento de sonidos. Diseño: Los sujetos usaron estos instrumentos en la vida diaria en un estudio cruzado, por períodos que fueron de 25 a 63 días. Se llevó a cabo una prueba de lenguaje-en-ruido y también se midieron la reducción de ruido y los algoritmos de supresión de la retroalimentación. Se reportó la satisfacción del usuario usando los cuestionarios NSH y el GHABP. Al final de la prueba, los sujetos seleccionaron uno de los dos instrumentos para uso permanente. Muestra de estudio: Doce usuarios por primera vez, de BAHI. Resultados: Ocho sujetos seleccionaron el Ponto Pro y cuatro, el BP100. El Ponto Pro se consideró como más fácil de operar que el BP100; la apariencia visual del Ponto Pro, como mejor que la del BP100 y la comprensión del lenguaje como mayor con el Ponto Pro que con el BP100. Las pruebas de lenguaje-en-ruido mostraron mejoría con el uso de micrófonos direccionales del Ponto Pro. Conclusiones: 67% de los sujetos optaron por el uso permanente del Ponto Pro el cual, comparado con el BP100 se clasificó como de mejor apariencia, más fácil de operar y que proporciona mejor inteligibilidad del lenguaje.

Key Words::

• Bone anchored hearing instrument
• Baha^®
• crossover design
• first-time-user
• adults

Acknowledgements

Parts of the results in this paper were presented at the 11th International Conference on Cochlear Implants and Other Implantable Auditory Technologies, Stockholm, Sweden, 30 June to 3 July 2010, and at the Danish Technical Audiological Society annual meeting at Vejlefjord, 10–11 September 2010. Arne Nørby Rasmussen developed the software used for the Dantale II test. The authors wish to thank the Danish distributor of BP100 (Danaflex A/S) and Oticon Medical for allowing for a test period before invoicing for the cost of the devices. We also thank Danaflex A/S, Oticon Medical, and Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions AB for supporting us with all information needed for setting up the test. Finally we thank professor Gerald R. Popelka and the reviewers of the paper, Professor Brian C.J. Moore and an anonymous reviewer, for very helpful comments and suggestions on earlier versions of this paper.

Declaration of interest: No outside funding or grants in support of this research were received. The authors report no conflicts of interest.