A new semi-implantable middle ear implant for sensorineural hearing loss: three-years follow-up in a pilot patient's group.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this article is to report on the long-term follow-up of a new semi-implantable middle ear device utilized for restoration of moderate-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss in a first series of subjects.

METHODS:

Three subjects, affected by sensorineural hearing loss, have undergone implantation of Maxum® middle ear implant, via a transcanal approach. They all underwent an auditory assessment, paying particular attention on the pre- versus post-operative hearing levels under the unaided, best-fitted hearing aided and implant-aided conditions. The audiometric evaluation has been repeated 3 years after implantation and implemented by questionnaires aiming at the evaluation of the quality of life.

RESULTS:

The post-operative hearing threshold and discrimination in quiet appear to be similar or better than those provided by conventional hearing aids, with a concomitant improvement of the subjects' quality of life. The application of the present device showed to be easy and reproducible, with no severe adverse effects recorded at the 3-years follow-up. Mild issues due to the external component were also observed, such as difficulty of keeping it continuously in place due to excess canal sweating in one subject, and a temporary loss of stability due to occurring irregularities of the external coating in another subject.

CONCLUSIONS:

Long-term, preliminary data reveal that the Maxum® device may provide equal or better functional gain and word recognition scores in quiet in patients with moderate-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss, in comparison to optimally fitted hearing aids, with a satisfactory improvement of their quality of life.

• Authors: Maurizio Barbara, Luigi Volpini, Chiara Filippi, Francesca Atturo, Simonetta Monini
• Journal: Acta oto-laryngologica (Acta Otolaryngol) Vol. 138 Issue 1 Pg. 31-35 (Jan 2018) ISSN: 1651-2251 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 28854835 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Ear, Middle (surgery)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Hearing Aids
• Hearing Loss, Sensorineural (rehabilitation, surgery)
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Ossicular Prosthesis
• Pilot Projects
• Prosthesis Design
• Prosthesis Implantation (methods)
• Quality of Life