Abstract
Objectives: The Vibrant Symphonix Soundbridge (VSB) middle ear hearing implant has proven to be an effective alternate treatment modality for patients with mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the audiologic performance of patients wearing the Soundbridge and a conventional hearing aid simultaneously in the same ear. This study was prompted by several Soundbridge patient reports that they obtained improved hearing with simultaneous use. Methods: Two patients who were audiologically marginal Soundbridge implant candidates reported marginal performance with their implants after surgery. These patients reported significant improvement with simultaneous use of a canal hearing aid and the Soundbridge. A full audiologic battery and subjective questionnaire was performed on these patients. Results: Both patients reported a significant subjective improvement in performance using both devices. Word discrimination score was significantly improved when both devices were worn. Conclusion: This is the first report of simultaneous use of an implantable hearing device and conventional hearing aid. This technique may be offered to patients who may be marginal candidates for either device separately and may be a benefit as an alternative to cochlear implantation.
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