Hearing rehabilitation with the Vibrant Soundbridge in patients with congenital middle ear malformation

Abstract

Congenital aural atresia, which is usually unilateral, causes hearing loss and aesthetic impairment. Besides tympanoplasty with/without canalplasty and bone conduction devices, active middle ear implants are also available for functional rehabilitation. This article aims to present acontemporary review on the treatment possibilities for middle ear malformations, with afocus on audiological rehabilitation with the Vibrant Soundbridge. A selective literature search for treatment possibilities was performed in PubMed up to October2020, and personal clinical experiences are reported. The Vibrant Soundbridge, which is approved for children ≥ 5years, is suitable for treatment of middle ear malformations with aJahrsdoerfer score ≥ 5. Although implantation of aVibrant Soundbridge is surgically more demanding than implantation of abone conduction device, the method is safe, delivers good auditory results (superior to bone conduction devices in terms of speech understanding and spatial hearing), does not involve intensive postsurgical care, and rarely requires revision surgery. The Vibrant Soundbridge can be coupled to (remnants of) the ossicular chain or the round window. The Vibrant Soundbridge is an appropriate treatment method in patients with middle ear malformations who have suitable anatomical preconditions.