Patient reported outcome measures in unilateral aural atresia treated using a transcutaneous bone conduction implant (The Cochlear Baha Attract®)

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2023 Feb:165:111451. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2023.111451. Epub 2023 Jan 12.

Abstract

Objectives: Unilateral aural atresia (UAA) is a congenital condition that is associated with maximal conductive hearing loss. The primary objective of this study was to assess the long-term compliance, complications, and quality of life of pediatric patients with UAA who had transcutaneous bone conduction hearing implants (TCBI).

Methods: Retrospective consecutive case series at a single centre between 2014 and 2018. Inclusion criteria consisted of UAA patients between 5 to 17 years-old receiving the Cochlear Baha Attract ® device. Demographic and audiologic data was extracted from charts. A prospective telephone survey was done, with patients and their families completing the Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory (GCBI). Basic descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and a univariate analysis were completed.

Results: Data was successfully collected from all 9 eligible children who received the Cochlear Baha Attract ® device for UAA (100%). The mean follow-up duration was 33 months after TBCI (9-60 months). The mean daily use was 7.7 h/day. Pure tone average and mean speech in noise scores were both significantly improved when comparing the unaided condition to the aided condition with TCBI (p < 0.001). The majority (89%) of patients had an improvement in GCBI; the median GCBI score was +14.6, indicating overall positive benefit. A linear regression showed no demographic variables were significant for mean daily use or GCBI scores.

Conclusion: This preliminary study showed that patients with a TCBI for UAA had high long-term compliance and daily usage rates. TCBI improved the quality of life for the majority of patients and significantly improved hearing measures.

Keywords: Aural atresia; Benefit inventory; Bone anchored hearing device; Patient outcomes; Transcutaneous bone conduction.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bone Conduction*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cochlea
  • Hearing Aids*
  • Hearing Loss, Conductive / surgery
  • Humans
  • Patient Reported Outcome Measures
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality of Life
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome