The availability of an adhesive bone conduction hearing device: a preliminary report of a single-center experience

Abstract

Background: An adhesively attached bone conduction hearing device has been newly developed. This novel bone conduction hearing device is placed behind the ear and has an audio processor connected to the adapter to transmit sound through vibrations. Objective: To obtain preliminary results regarding the use of this device, we sought to apply it to patients with various types of hearing loss. Methods: Nine patients aged over 18 years and with hearing loss due to bilateral middle ear anomaly (n = 1), bilateral aural atresia (n = 3), unilateral aural atresia (n = 2), and single-sided deafness (n = 3) were recruited. Results: The functional gain provided by the adhesive bone conduction hearing device for the aided side was found to be sufficient. Although the results on speech perception in noise showed significant improvement for patients with conductive hearing loss, no improvement was found for patients with single-sided deafness. Subjective assessment showed that speech and spatial hearing-related issues were improved. Conclusion: The adhesive bone conduction hearing device was thought to provide a feasible option. Additionally, in patients considering the use of a surgically implanted hearing device, this device is a preferable option for preoperative assessment due to its non-invasiveness.