Abstract
Objective: The VSB is an AMEI which is approved for children. It is also used for patients with aural atresia or chronic otitis media (COM), with limited hearing rehabilitation solutions. The aim for this study is to investigate the hearing rehabilitation in children using VSB suffering from atresia or COM.
Method: Standard audiological tests were performed pre- and postoperatively. CT images were acquired to assess feasibility of the FMT placement in the middle ear and to determine the Jahresdorfer score in patients with atresia. Functional gain and speech improvement are analyzed.
Results: Thirteen children (median age 9.1) with congenital aural atresia or COM were implanted with the VSB. The average Jahresdorfer scale was 5.9. There were no pre- or postoperative medical complications observed, and hearing levels were preserved. The surgical technique is safe, due to the unchanged pre- versus postsurgery BC levels. CT images provide crucial information about the accessibility for the attachment of the FMT. Patients with atresia showed a functional gain of 40 dB and an improvement of 60% in speech. Patients with COM showed a functional gain of 38 dB and an improvement of 50% in speech.
Conclusion: In these cases, the audiological outcome shows an effective gain in hearing and an improvement in speech. The VSB therefore offers an excellent audiological rehabilitation intact skin solution for children suffering with congential aural atresia or COM.
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