Long term results and evaluation of device satisfaction in patients used the vibrant sound bridge (VSB)

Abstract

Background

Patients' satisfaction with the device is as important as the audiological gains in patients using these devices.

Objective

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the hearing aid satisfaction of individuals using The Vibrant Sound Bridge (VSB) (Vibrant Med-El, Innsbruck, Austria) and to compare this result with audiologic results ​​with and without devices.

Material and methods

Patients who were using VSB were included in the study. Preoperative and postoperative pure tone averages and demographic datas of the patients to be included in the study were recorded. A shortened version of Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) questionnaire, was used to evaluate patients’ device satisfaction.

Results

Fifteen patients with VSB were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 9.13 years. The preoperative air conduction threshold and the air-bone gap in all frequencies were significantly higher than postoperative values (p < .05). The functional gain was found as 28 dB. In the APHAB questionnaire, there was a significant difference between total score results and EC, BN, RV subscales in the patients using the device (p < .01).

Conclusion and significance

Patients with VSB give satisfactory results in auditory gains. In particular, good indication and long-term use of the device increases the suitability and satisfaction of the patients.

Chinese abstract

背景：患者对医疗设备的满意度与患者使用这些设备所获得的听觉改善一样重要。

目的：在这项研究中, 我们旨在评估使用振动声桥（VSB）（Vibrant Med-El, Innsbruck, 奥地利）的个人对听力得益的满意度, 并将此评估结果与用或不用设备的听力结果进行比较。

材料和方法：研究对象包括使用VSB的患者。记录了纳入研究的患者的术前和术后纯音平均值和人口统计学数据。助听器益处简明问卷（APHAB）的简短形式被用于评估患者的设备满意度。

结果：15名VSB患者被纳入研究。平均随访时间为9.13年。术前导气阈值和所有频率的气骨间隙均明显高于术后值（p <.05）。发现功能增益为28 dB。在APHAB问卷中, 使用该设备的患者的总得分结果与EC, BN, RV分量存在显著差异（p <.01）。

结论和意义：VSB使用者在听觉上获得满意的结果。特别是, 该设备的良好的适应症和长期使用可提高患者对它的适用性和满意度。

Keywords:

• Middle ear implant
• vibrant sound bridge
• satisfaction
• APHAB questionnaire
• hearing loss

Acknowledgements

This manuscript has been submitted 7th edition of Dubai Otology, Neurotology & Skull Base Surgery Conference 2019 Dubai.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).