Abstract | OBJECTIVE: To document the long-term surgical and audiologic results of the implantation of a first-generation semi-implantable hearing aid for mixed hearing loss, consisting of a magnetic partial or total ossicular replacement prosthesis and an electromagnetic driver fitted in the ear canal. The short-term results have previously been published as excellent in both surgical and audiologic terms. To analyze and discuss reasons of treatment failure, as well as future perspectives. STUDY DESIGN: Patient file review, follow-up otomicroscopic examination and audiometry, as well as patient interview. SETTING Tertiary referral center at a University hospital. PATIENTS: MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Use of and satisfaction with the hearing aid, apparatus function and integrity, hearing without electromagnetic driver, prostheses containment, drum abnormalities, nonaudiologic ear symptoms, e.g., discharge. RESULTS: All patients attended follow-up for a mean of 9.5 years after implantation (range 8.8-10 years). No patients used the semi-implantable hearing aid at follow-up. The mean semi-implantable hearing aid using time was 24 months (range 3-60 months). The main reasons for discontinuation of use were problems fitting the electromagnetic driver correctly in the ear canal and prosthesis extrusion or dislocation. CONCLUSIONS: Despite excellent short-term surgical and audiologic results, it is concluded that these first long-term results of the first-generation electromagnetic semi-implantable hearing aids with ossicular replacement prosthesis for mixed hearing loss are disappointing. However, improvements in the surgical approach and in the reshaping, refinement, and overall improvement of the semi-implantable hearing aid could lead to satisfactory treatment of this group of patients.
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Authors | Per Cayé-Thomasen, Jørgen Hedegaard Jensen, Per Bonding, Mirko Tos |
Journal | Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology
(Otol Neurotol)
Vol. 23
Issue 6
Pg. 904-11
(Nov 2002)
ISSN: 1531-7129 [Print] United States |
PMID | 12438854
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Aged
- Audiometry, Pure-Tone
- Auditory Threshold
(physiology)
- Electromagnetic Phenomena
(instrumentation)
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Hearing Aids
- Hearing Disorders
(therapy)
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Ossicular Prosthesis
- Prosthesis Design
- Prosthesis Implantation
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