scholarly journals Unexplained Variation in Benefit of Treatment of Congenital Unilateral Aural Atresia: A Review of the Literature

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Katharina Vogt ◽  
Jolien Desmet ◽  
Arno M. Janssen ◽  
Martijn J.H. Agterberg ◽  
Ad F.M. Snik
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Binaural Hearing ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Aural Atresia ◽  
Middle Ear Implant ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Bone Conduction Device ◽  
Conductive Hearing

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> A review of published data regarding binaural hearing after treatment of congenital unilateral conductive hearing loss (UCHL) due to aural atresia. Treatment options concern atresia surgery (reconstructive surgery), application of a bone conduction device (BCD), or application of a middle ear implant (MEI). <b><i>Data Sources:</i></b> Database PubMed was searched for articles published in English and German between January 1, 1994, and January 1, 2019. <b><i>Study Selection:</i></b> The initial search identified 52 studies, of which 9 met the inclusion criteria. <b><i>Data Synthesis:</i></b> Comparison of studies was based on a structured review. Meta-analysis was not feasible because of the heterogeneity of outcome measures, the limited number of relevant papers (9), and diverse types of treatment (5). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Treatment of UCHL results in bilateral hearing instead of binaural hearing. The large intersubject variability in benefit of treatment is unexplained with a clear improvement in the minority of listeners and a limited improvement or binaural interference in most listeners after atresia repair or amplification with a BCD or MEI.

scholarly journals Original Solution for Middle Ear Implant and Anesthetic/Surgical Management in a Child with Severe Craniofacial Dysmorphism

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Bianchin ◽  
Lorenzo Tribi ◽  
Aronne Reverzani ◽  
Patrizia Formigoni ◽  
Valeria Polizzi
Keyword(s):  
Middle Ear ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Original Solution ◽  
Aural Atresia ◽  
Middle Ear Implant ◽  
Craniofacial Dysmorphism ◽  
Surgical Application ◽  
Congenital Aural Atresia ◽  
Bone Conduction Device

We describe the novel solution adopted in positioning middle ear implant in a child with bilateral congenital aural atresia and craniofacial dysmorphism that have posed a significant challenge for the safe and correct management of deafness. A five-year-old child, affected by a rare congenital disease (Van Maldergem Syndrome), suffered from conductive hearing loss. Conventional skin-drive bone-conduction device, attached with a steel spring headband, has been applied but auditory restoration was not optimal. The decision made was to position Vibrant Soundbridge, a middle ear implant, with an original surgical application due to hypoplasia of the tympanic cavity. Intubation procedure was complicated due to child craniofacial deformities. Postoperative hearing rehabilitation involved a multidisciplinary team, showing improved social skills and language development.

scholarly journals A Comparative Study of a Novel Adhesive Bone Conduction Device and Conventional Treatment Options for Conductive Hearing Loss

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (7) ◽  
pp. 858-864 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piotr H. Skarzynski ◽  
Anna Ratuszniak ◽  
Kamila Osinska ◽  
Magdalena Koziel ◽  
Bartlomiej Krol ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Comparative Study ◽  
Conventional Treatment ◽  
Conductive Hearing Loss ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Bone Conduction Device ◽  
Conductive Hearing

scholarly journals Benefits of Cartilage Conduction Hearing Aids for Speech Perception in Unilateral Aural Atresia

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 284-290
Author(s):  
Sakie Akasaka ◽  
Tadashi Nishimura ◽  
Hiroshi Hosoi ◽  
Osamu Saito ◽  
Ryota Shimokura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Speech Recognition ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
Conductive Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Binaural Hearing ◽  
Aural Atresia ◽  
Conductive Hearing

Severe conductive hearing loss due to unilateral aural atresia leads to auditory and developmental disorders, such as difficulty in hearing in challenging situations. Bone conduction devices compensate for the disability but unfortunately have several disadvantages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of cartilage conduction (CC) hearing aids for speech perception in unilateral aural atresia. Eleven patients with unilateral aural atresia were included. Each participant used a CC hearing aid in the atretic ear. Speech recognition scores in the binaural hearing condition were obtained at low speech levels to evaluate the contribution of aided atretic ears to speech perception. Speech recognition scores were also obtained with and without presentation of noise. These assessments were compared between the unaided and aided atretic ear conditions. Speech recognition scores at low speech levels were significantly improved under the aided atretic ear condition (p < 0.05). A CC hearing aid in the unilateral atretic ear did not significantly improve the speech recognition score in a symmetrical noise presentation condition. The binaural hearing benefits of CC hearing aids in unilateral aural atresia were predominantly considered a diotic summation. Other benefits of binaural hearing remain to be investigated.

Auditory Brainstem Response Wave I Prediction of Conductive Component in Infants and Young Children

1994 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 52-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol L. Mackersie ◽  
David R. Stapells
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Conductive Hearing Loss ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Prediction Methods ◽  
Aural Atresia ◽  
Brainstem Response ◽  
Conductive Component ◽  
Conductive Hearing ◽  
Infants And Young Children

Wave I latencies were used to predict the magnitude of conductive components in 80 infants and young children (122 ears) with normal hearing, conductive hearing loss due to otitis media or aural atresia, sensorineural hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss. Two prediction methods were used. The first method based predictions on a 0.03-ms wave I latency delay for each decibel of conductive hearing loss. The second method was based on a regression analysis of wave I latency delays and the magnitude of conductive component for the subjects in this study with normal cochlear status. On average, these prediction methods resulted in prediction errors of 15 dB or greater in over one-third of the ears with hearing loss. Therefore, the clinical use of wave I latencies to predict the presence or magnitude of conductive impairment is not recommended for infants and young children. Instead, bone-conduction ABR testing is recommended as a direct measure of cochlear status when behavioral evaluation is not possible.

scholarly journals Audiological Performance of ADHEAR Systems in Simulated Conductive Hearing Loss: A Case Series with a Review of the Existing Literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 537-546
Author(s):  
Enrico Muzzi ◽  
Valeria Gambacorta ◽  
Ruggero Lapenna ◽  
Giulia Pizzamiglio ◽  
Sara Ghiselli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Conductive Hearing Loss ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Free Field ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Binaural Hearing ◽  
Bone Conduction Implant ◽  
Conductive Hearing ◽  
Loudness Summation

A new non-invasive adhesive bone conduction hearing device (ABCD) has been proposed as an alternative solution for reversible bilateral conductive hearing loss in recurrent or long-lasting forms of otitis media with effusion (OME) in children that cannot undergo surgical treatment. Our aim was to assess the effectiveness of ABCD in children with OME. Twelve normal-hearing Italian-speaking volunteers, in whom a conductive hearing loss was simulated, participated in the study. The free-field average hearing threshold was determined and, to evaluate binaural hearing skills, loudness summation and the squelch effect were assessed. Five conditions were tested: (1) unaided without earplugs, (2) unaided with bilateral earplugs, (3) aided right ear with bilateral earplugs, (4) aided left ear with bilateral earplugs, and (5) bilateral aid with bilateral earplugs. Post-hoc analysis showed a significant statistical difference between plugged, unplugged, and each aided condition. The main results were a better loudness summation and a substantial improvement of the squelch effect in the bilaterally aided. Our results suggest that ABCD is a valid treatment for patients with conductive hearing loss that cannot undergo bone conduction implant surgery. It is also important to consider bilateral aids in order to deal with situations in which binaural hearing is fundamental.

scholarly journals Audiological results and subjective benefit of an active transcutaneous bone-conduction device in patients with congenital aural atresia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronika Volgger ◽  
Inge Teresa Schießler ◽  
Joachim Müller ◽  
Florian Schrötzlmair ◽  
Marlene Pollotzek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Monosyllabic Word ◽  
Subjective Impression ◽  
Aural Atresia ◽  
Mixed Hearing Loss ◽  
Functional Benefit ◽  
Congenital Aural Atresia ◽  
Bone Conduction Device

Abstract Purpose To review functional and subjective benefit after implantation of an active transcutaneous bone conduction device (BCD) in patients with congenital microtia with atresia or stenosis of the external auditory canal. Methods Retrospective chart analysis and questionnaire on the subjective impression of hearing ( Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ-B) of patients treated between 2012 and 2015. ResultsResults 18 patients (24 ears) with conductive or mixed hearing loss in unilateral (n = 10) or bilateral (n = 8) atresia were implanted with a BCD. No major complications occurred after implantation. Preoperative unaided air conduction pure tone average at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz (PTA 4 ) was 69.2 ± 11.7 dB, while postoperative aided PTA 4 was 33.4 ± 6.3 dB, resulting in a mean functional hearing gain of 35.9 +/- 15.6 dB. Preoperatively, the mean monosyllabic word recognition score was 22.9 % ± 22.3 %, which increased to 87.1 % +/- 15.1 % in the aided condition. The Oldenburger Sentence Test at S0N0 revealed a decrease in signal-to-noise-ratio from − 0.58 ± 4.40 dB in the unaided to − 5.67 ± 3.21 dB in the postoperative aided condition for all patients investigated. 15 of 18 patients had a subjective benefit showing a positive SSQ-B score (mean 1.7). Conclusion The implantation of an active bone conduction device brings along subjective and functional benefit for patients with conductive or combined hearing loss.

One-Year Follow-Up in Children with Conductive Hearing Loss Using ADHEAR

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Mario E. Zernotti ◽  
Elvira Alvarado ◽  
Maximo Zernotti ◽  
Natalia Claveria ◽  
Maria F. Di Gregorio
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Conductive Hearing Loss ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Free Field ◽  
Aural Atresia ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
Conductive Hearing ◽  
Subjective Outcomes

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The ADHEAR™ system (MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria) is a nonsurgical bone conduction device (BCD) to treat conductive hearing loss (CHL) and single-sided deafness. In contrast to the nonsurgical alternatives on headbands or spectacle frames, the audio processor of ADHEAR is placed retroauricularly on an adhesive adapter. The published evidence on the performance of this system is limited to studies with a trial period of 2–8 weeks. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> This study assesses audiological and subjective outcomes over a period of 12 months, on patients with congenital aural atresia (CAA) using the ADHEAR hearing system. <b><i>Method:</i></b> Fifteen children (mean age: 9.4 ± 4 years; range: 5–16 years) diagnosed with CAA (7 uni/8 bilateral) were included in this prospective, observational, repeated-measures study. Each subject used ADHEAR for 1 year, and the performance was evaluated after 1, 6, and 12 months. Free-field audiometry and speech discrimination tests were performed, and hearing-, general health- and device-specific questionnaires were used. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The unaided sound field threshold improved from an average PTA4 of 63.6 ± 3.4 dB HL to an aided average PTA4 of 29.3 ± 3.0 dB HL after 1 month of device use. The word recognition score (WRS) improved from an average of 27.9 ± 15.9% unaided to an aided average WRS of 91.3 ± 4.4% (<i>p</i> = 0.0003) after 1 month, 92.0 ± 4.1% (<i>p</i> = 0.0002) after 6 months, and 92.7 ± 5.3% (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.0001) after 12 months using the ADHEAR system compared to the unaided condition for all 3 time points. The improvements in the speech in noise at 1, 6, and 12 months were as well consistent over time. The average improvement at the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of +5 dB was 58% and 53% at the SNR of +0 dB. No complications were reported, and all patients continued to use the ADHEAR after the study end. The questionnaire results revealed high user satisfaction and an average wearing time of 12 h per day. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> This 12-month trial of the nonsurgical adhesive BCD in CAA patients showed sufficient and reliable audiological and subjective outcomes, long wearing time, and high acceptance. The ADHEAR can be considered a suitable option to treat children with CAA for the given indication, without the drawbacks of nonsurgical devices that use pressure for retention of the audio processor or the costs and possible complications involved with a surgical alternative.

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