Abstract
Objective: The Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) system helps hearing impaired people who, for various reasons, are unable to use conventional hearing aids. This study presents our experience and outcomes with the first eight patients we implanted with this device.
Method: Eight patients were implanted with a VSB in our department from 2006 to 2010. Seven of them had sensorineural hearing loss, while one case involved otosclerosis with mixed hearing loss. All patients received a VSB from Med-El.
Results: Seven patients, aged between 18 and 72 years, were implanted with the VSB’s floating mass transducer attached to the incus, while the patient with otosclerosis underwent implantation at the round window. Preoperative pure-tone audiograms, acoustic immittance tests, and speech intelligibility tests were conducted on all patients and compared with postoperative results. The postoperative PTA outcomes indicated no loss of residual hearing. Mean PTA have increased from a 60.20 ± 2.80 dB mean value to a 26.67 ± 2.60 dB mean value at 6 months after activation. All patients noticed improved high-frequency perception and clearer sound quality with the VSB comparing to conventional hearing aids.
Conclusion: Vibrant Soundbridge middle ear implant is improving the hearing in patients who are unsatisfied with or cannot wear conventional hearing aids for different reasons. Poor sound quality and ear occlusion were the most important complaints that lead patients to decide on the surgery.
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