Audiological Performance of ADHEAR Systems in Simulated Conductive Hearing Loss: A Case Series with a Review of the Existing Literature.

Enrico Muzzi,Valeria Gambacorta,Giampietro Ricci,Eva Orzan,Ruggero Lapenna,Igor Caregnato,Raffaella Marchi,Giulia Pizzamiglio,Sara Ghiselli

doi:10.3390/audiolres11040048

Enrico Muzzi, Valeria Gambacorta + Show 7 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres11040048

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Abstract

A new non-invasive adhesive bone conduction hearing device (ABCD) has been proposed as an alternative solution for reversible bilateral conductive hearing loss in recurrent or long-lasting forms of otitis media with effusion (OME) in children that cannot undergo surgical treatment. Our aim was to assess the effectiveness of ABCD in children with OME. Twelve normal-hearing Italian-speaking volunteers, in whom a conductive hearing loss was simulated, participated in the study. The free-field average hearing threshold was determined and, to evaluate binaural hearing skills, loudness summation and the squelch effect were assessed. Five conditions were tested: (1) unaided without earplugs, (2) unaided with bilateral earplugs, (3) aided right ear with bilateral earplugs, (4) aided left ear with bilateral earplugs, and (5) bilateral aid with bilateral earplugs. Post-hoc analysis showed a significant statistical difference between plugged, unplugged, and each aided condition. The main results were a better loudness summation and a substantial improvement of the squelch effect in the bilaterally aided. Our results suggest that ABCD is a valid treatment for patients with conductive hearing loss that cannot undergo bone conduction implant surgery. It is also important to consider bilateral aids in order to deal with situations in which binaural hearing is fundamental.

Highlights

Conductive hearing loss is determined by a decrease of the middle ear capacity to transmit sound to the normal inner ear
We report our experience with the adhesive bone conduction hearing device (ABCD) in a series of subjects with simulated conductive hearing loss with particular reference to binaural listening abilities with unilateral and bilateral aid use
We simulated bilateral conductive hearing loss in normal hearing subjects to assess the effectiveness of ABCD, for example, in children with otitis media with effusion (OME), which potentially leads to a poorer quality of life in the patient and could negatively influence daily life, especially when binaural hearing is necessary

Summary

Introduction

Conductive hearing loss is determined by a decrease of the middle ear capacity to transmit sound to the normal inner ear. It can be congenital (e.g., external and/or middle ear malformations), or acquired either during childhood or during the adult life. The most representative situation giving a (potentially) reversible bilateral conductive hearing loss is the so-called “otitis media with effusion” (OME). It affects about 90% of children before school age [1], with the highest prevalence rates between 6 months and 4 years of age. Most episodes of OME resolve spontaneously within 3 months, 30–40% of children experience recurrent events, and in 5 to 10% of cases, last more than one year [2]

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