Management of conductive hearing loss with implantable bone conduction devices

Abstract

Implantable bone conduction devices have been a beneficial addition to the armamentarium of surgical management of conductive hearing loss. They have demonstrated rapid improvement in technology and increased application over the years leading to several new devices. Thorough patient evaluation is necessary for proper device selection. Several factors are considered when choosing the appropriate implantable bone conduction device including age, aesthetic concerns, the severity of hearing loss, the need for frequent MRIs, and other surgical considerations including anatomic variations and past otologic procedure. Audiological outcomes are generally favorable. Patient evaluation, selection criteria, surgical decision-making, operative techniques, post-op care, and potential complications will be summarized.