The efficacy of bone anchored hearing aid application in patients with bilateral congenital aural atresia

Abstract

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of Bone anchored hearing aid(Baha) application in patients with bilateral congenital aural atresia.Method: Prospective study of 18 patients with bilateral congenital aural atresia received unilateral Baha implanted. Aided and unaided hearing was assessed using pure tone audiometry(PTA)，Speech Recognition in quiet and noisy circumstances and the abbreviated profile of hearing and benefit(APHAB) questionnaire.Result:The average decline in pure-tone threshold was(31.06±14.32)dB HL for those with implanted Baha. The average improvement in Mandarin speech test was(62.4±31.1)%, and the average improvement in hearing in noise test（HINT) was (34.3±10.8)%．In the APHAB questionnaire survey, the mean Baha scores of ease of communication（EC）, backgroud noise and revereration were decreased by 59.3± 14.5，46.7±10.1，58.8±8.1 compared to the unaided scores, and the Baha score of aversiveness was (66.4±11.9) higher than the unaided score. After the mean 9.6 months's follow-up，no serious complications were recorded.Conclusion:Baha can significantly improve hearing ability and quality of life of patients with bilateral congenital aural atresia. It has been one of the most reliable methods of auditory rehabilitation.