Clinical benefit of the new active bone conduction system Osia

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study is to assess the benefit of the new active bone conduction system Osia in adult patients with conductive hearing loss (CHL) or mixed hearing loss (MHL). The Osia system enables direct bone conduction stimulation via an osseointegrated implant with a piezoelectric transducer controlled by an external sound processor. Method(s): To date, 9 adult patients with CHL or MHL have been included, 7 unilaterally and 2 bilaterally implanted. To determine the clinical benefit, monosyllabic speech recognition in quiet and speech recognition of Oldenburg sentences in background noise were measured unaided preoperatively and with the BP110 on test band as well as with Osia 3 and 6 months after implantation. The subjective benefit was assessed using APHAB, SSQ and HUI questionnaires. In addition, the skin thickness and the necessity of skin thinning during implantation as well as the required magnet strength were determined postoperatively. Result(s): After 3 and 6 months, all patients showed a significant improvement in speech recognition in quiet and in noise with Osia compared to the unaided situation, and the majority compared to BP110. Skin thinning was only necessary in one patient. There was a positive correlation between skin thickness and required magnet strength and a negative correlation between skin thickness and battery life. The subjective results reflect the objectively determined results. Conclusion(s): The Osia system has proven to be a powerful active bone conduction implant that allows for a sufficient treatment of combined hearing loss, too, and generates high patient satisfaction.