Efficacy of the Bonebridge BCI602 for Adult Patients with Single‐sided Deafness: A Prospective Multicenter Study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the safety and efficacy of a novel active transcutaneous bone conduction implant (BCI) device for patients with single‐sided deafness (SSD).Study DesignProspective cohort study.SettingTertiary referral hospitals.MethodsThis prospective multicenter study was conducted at 15 institutions nationwide. Thirty adult (aged ≥19 years) SSD patients were recruited. They underwent implantation of an active transcutaneous BCI device (Bonebridge BCI602). Objective outcomes included aided pure‐tone thresholds, aided speech discrimination scores (SDSs), and the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) and sound localization test results. The Bern Benefit in Single‐Sided Deafness (BBSS) questionnaire, the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) questionnaire, and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) were used to measure subjective benefits.ResultsThe mean aided pure‐tone threshold was 34.2 (11.3), mean (SD), dB HL at 500 to 4000 Hz. The mean total BBSS score was 27.5 (13.8). All APHAB questionnaire domain scores showed significant improvements: ease of communication, 33.6 (23.2) versus 22.6 (21.3), P = .025; reverberation, 44.8 (16.6) versus 32.8 (15.9), P = .002; background noise, 55.5 (23.6) versus 35.2 (18.1), P < .001; and aversiveness, 36.7 (22.8) versus 25.8 (21.4), P = .028. Moreover, the THI scores were significantly reduced [47.4 (30.1) versus 31.1 (27.0), P = .003]. Congenital SSD was a significant factor of subjective benefit (−11.643; 95% confidence interval: −21.946 to −1.340).ConclusionThe BCI602 active transcutaneous BCI device can provide functional hearing gain without any adverse effects and is a feasible option for acquired SSD patients with long‐term deafness.

Single-Sided Deafness and Hearing Rehabilitation Modalities: Contralateral Routing of Signal Devices, Bone Conduction Devices, and Cochlear Implants

“…BCD can alleviate the shadow effect and improve sound awareness on the affected side [44,66]; however, they cannot restore binaural hearing and evidence suggests that these devices do not improve sound localization ability [44,66,67]. Several studies report the reduction of tinnitus by BCD [67][68][69][70]. Indeed, it is believed that stimulation of the contralateral auditory pathway may play an important role in suppressing experienced tinnitus [71].…”