Introduction:
Since 2012 the transcutaneous bone conduction hearing implant Bonebridge (MedEl, Innsbruck,
Austria) is used for patients with mixed or conductive hearing loss or single side
deafness.
Objective:
This study evaluates the experience of 31 patients (aged 3 – 38 years) with congenital
aural atresia who have undergone audiologic rehabilitation using the Bonebridge implant
between June 2012 and August 2017.
Results:
Air-conduction pure tone average was 63,98 dBHL (± 14,02 dBHL). Unaided average air-bone
gap was 52,69 dBHL (± 15,74 dBHL).
Speech discrimination scores measured with Freiburger monosylable test at 65 dBSPL
showed a significant continious improvement in quiet of 78,59% ± 24,57% (first fit),
91,88% ± 9,50% (3 months) up to 97,14% ± 4,10% after 6 months. The benefit became
manifest after 6 months.
Conclusion:
We see the significant hearing improvement as a result of implantation with stable
results after 6 months of activation and a high level of satisfaction.
None of the authors have any conflicts of interest.
