Two Bonebridge bone conduction hearing implant generations: audiological benefit and quality of hearing in children

Abstract

Purpose The study aimed to evaluate audiological benefits, quality of hearing and safety of two Bonebridge generation: BCI601 and BCI602 (MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria) in children. Methods Twelve children were implanted: five BCI601 and seven BCI602 comprising of ten conductive hearing loss, and two single sided deaf SSD subjects. Audiological outcomes tested were sound field audiometry, functional gain, speech recognition threshold (SRT50), speech recognition in noise (SPRINT) and localisation abilities. Subjective measures were Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12). Results The mean FG with the BCI601 was 25.0 dB and with the BCI602 28.0 dB. The benefit in SRT50 was 23.2 dB and 33.8 dB, respectively. The mean benefit in SPRINT was 15% and 6.7% and the localisation ability improved from 33.3° to 16° and from 26.2° to 17.6°, respectively. The two SSD subjects reported a FG of 17 dB, a benefit in SRT50 of 22.5 and a benefit in SPRINT of 20%. Subjective outcomes improved significantly and even exceeded the values of their age-and sex matched normal hearing peers. One revision was reported: a retroauricular emphysema above the implant occurred 12 months post-OP, it was resolved operatively with the implant still being functional. Conclusion The pediatric cohort reports significant audiological benefit, even exceeding that of the age- and sex matched control. The combination of the high safety and audiological benefit makes the Bonebridge a comfortable and effective option in hearing rehabilitation in children.

Experience With the New Active Transcutaneous Bone‐Conduction Implant With Smaller Dimensions

“…Notably, implantations with lifts could potentially result in skin dehiscence or wound infections due to extensive pressure on the skin by the elevated implant. However, as reported by previous studies, implantations with lifts were not associated with any complications in the BB601 1,3,5 nor in the new generation BB602, 10 which goes in hand with our current results.…”

“…Besides noted studies, several case reports and case series could be identified, also reporting on satisfactory results after BB602 surgery. [8][9][10] Furthermore, 2 articles reported on the artifact reduction possibilities in magnetic resonance imaging by the new system BB602. 11,12 The aforementioned smaller dimension of BB602 simplifies the implant placement, even in demanding anatomical considerations.…”

Improvement in quality of life comparing noninvasive versus invasive hearing rehabilitation in children

“…Several studies reported on the quality of life outcomes in BB adult subjects assessed by various measurement instruments, such as the abbreviated profile of hearing aid benefit (APHAB) and the Glasgow benefit inventory (GBI). All studies investigating the subjective benefit after BB implantation showed improvement in general, social, physical, and total function as measured by the GBI as well as high patient satisfaction paired with overall very low complication rates 19,45,46 . Investigating in addition to the audiological benefit and also quality of life factors underlines the important interplay between as early as possible hearing rehabilitation and the children's age‐related social development, hence language development and vice versa.…”

Integrated microtia and aural atresia management

“…Active implants with direct bone conduction without skin penetration (Osia ® , BoneBridge TM ) are currently FDA approved for patients 12 years of age and older. At the time of this writing, successful implantation in younger patients has been reported both in and outside of the United States ( 21 , 22 ). These provide optimal hearing amplification without penetrating the skin.…”