Patient-reported long-term benefit with an active transcutaneous bone-conduction device.

Julia Hundertpfund,Jens Eduard Meyer,Attila Óvári,Rafael Da Costa Monsanto

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0241247

Julia Hundertpfund, Jens Eduard Meyer + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0241247

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Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate the long-term benefits in hearing-related quality of life, patient satisfaction and wearing time of patients rehabilitated with an active transcutaneous bone-conduction device. Adverse events and audiological outcomes are reported as secondary outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective, mono-centric cohort analysis involves 16 adults with conductive or mixed hearing loss with a mean device experience of 51.25 months. Patient-reported outcome measures were assessed using the short version of the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12-B) and the German version of the Audio Processor Satisfaction Questionnaire (APSQ). Audiological outcomes as well as incidence of adverse events were obtained from patients´ charts.ResultsThe hearing-related quality of life improved significantly within all subscales of the SSQ12-B scoring a mean overall of 2.95 points. Patient satisfaction measured with the APSQ scored 8.8 points on average. Wearing times differed considerably and patients with lower levels of education seemed to use their device longer compared to patients with academic education. Eight minor adverse events were documented, all of which resolved during follow-up. The mean gain in word recognition score at the last follow-up measured at 65 dB was 75.9%, while speech reception threshold was lowered by 35.1 dB.ConclusionEven after several years, patients report significant benefits in hearing-related quality of life and device satisfaction. In combination with a low rate of minor adverse events and significantly improved audiological outcomes, the device is considered as a comfortable and effective option in hearing rehabilitation.

Highlights

Any kind of hearing loss leads to deficits in social, emotional and educational development [1]
Patient-reported outcome measures were assessed using the short version of the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12-B) and the German version of the Audio Processor Satisfaction Questionnaire (APSQ)
The hearing-related quality of life improved significantly within all subscales of the SSQ12-B scoring a mean overall of 2.95 points

Summary

Introduction

Any kind of hearing loss leads to deficits in social, emotional and educational development [1]. Patient satisfaction and quality of life (QoL) in hearing rehabilitation are as important as beneficial audiologic outcome. Since active transcutaneous BCDs do not rely on osseointegration and do not require constant penetration of the skin, the occurrence of an adverse event is less frequently than with percutaneous implants, but with comparable beneficial audiological outcome [5]. Transcutaneous BCDs may lead to improved QoL, especially because of the advantages of the intact skin with less discomfort, no requirement of regular hygienic maintenance and no social stigma [6,7,8]. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the long-term benefits in hearing related QoL, patient satisfaction and wearing time of an active transcutaneous BCD.

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