Long-term safety and subjective satisfaction of Bonebridge and Vibrant Soundbridge in congenital unilateral conductive hearing loss.

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess and compare the long-term safety and subjective satisfaction levels of Bonebridge (BB) and Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) in patients with congenital unilateral conductive hearing loss (UCHL).

Methods: The hearing effectiveness was measured using sound field hearing threshold (SFHT) and word recognition score (WRS). Long-term safety and subjective satisfaction levels were measured by questionnaires, including Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale-12 (SSQ-12) and Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB).

Results: Both BB and VSB were effective in improving the hearing of patients with congenital UCHL. Four of the 20 patients discontinued wearing the device postoperatively, and no complications were reported by long-term users. Patients experienced an overall improvement in their hearing experience across most subscales of SSQ-12 and a lower hearing problem rate across most subscales of the APHAB after implantation. However, the 'quality of hearing' subscale in the SSQ-12 did not show any improvement, and the aversiveness subscale in the APHAB exhibited a relatively higher percentage of reported problems after BB or VSB implantation. No significant differences were observed in SFHT, WRS, SSQ-12, and APHAB between the two groups.

Conclusions: Both BB and VSB are effective in improving the hearing of UCHL patients, with high subjective satisfaction and low complication rates in the long-term postoperative period, with no significant difference between the two devices. Follow-up device fitting is essential, especially to address increased device sound or noise after surgery, reduce non-usage rates and achieve higher subjective satisfaction levels.