Long-term results of 185 consecutive osseointegrated hearing device implantations: a comparison among children, adults, and elderly.

Abstract

To determine the occurrence and type of perioperative and postoperative complications in patients implanted with an osseointegrated hearing device (OHD) (also known as BAHA/BAHS) and compare results in children, adults, and elderly and for different surgical techniques. Retrospective case file review. Tertiary referral center. Patients implanted with an OHD between 2004 and 2012, with more than 6 months of follow-up. OHD implantation. Implant loss, adverse skin reactions (Holgers' score, ≥2), skin overgrowth, and discomfort resulting in abutment and/or implant removal. One hundred eighty-five implantations in 176 patients were reviewed. Overall, 3.8% of the implants were lost spontaneously after a mean of 2.5 years. Implant loss in children was 18% versus 2.5% in adults and 3.8% in elderly. Adverse skin reactions occurred in 14% of observations overall; in 10% in children compared with 16% in adults and 9% in elderly. Partial or total skin overgrowth was seen in 4% and 6% of the observations in children and adults, respectively, whereas none of the elderly experienced this problem. The abutment was removed because of discomfort and/or no benefit in 10% overall, in 13% of adults, and in 6% of the elderly; none of the children opted for removal. Linear incision technique showed fewest complications. OHD implantation is a procedure with few major complications. Adverse skin reaction is the most common complication. Children lose the implant more frequently than adults. Elderly patients have less adverse skin reactions/skin overgrowth. Discomfort leading to abutment removal is a concern especially among adults.