Stability Measurements of the Baha System in Children

Abstract

Objectives:

Bone conduction implant (eg, Baha®) stability can objectively be measured over time using radio-frequency analysis (RFA). Adult studies suggest that the Cochlear Baha BI300 Implant® may be loaded as soon as the soft tissue wound is healed. We aim to discuss implant stability in children using RFA measurements.

Methods:

Consecutive children having a Cochlear Baha BI300 Implant had RFA measurements taken peri-operatively, 1 week post-surgery, within 3 months of surgery, and then subsequently at least 3 monthly. RFA measurements were measured at loading of the hearing processor and at 1 week post-loading. Standard practice has been to load the implant at 3-6 months postoperatively.

Results:

Nine children had 10 Cochlear Baha BI300 implants® (8 unilateral and 1 bilateral) with a mean age of 9 years 4 months (4 years 9 months to 13 years 5 months). The mean time to loading of the hearing processor was 3.3 months (3 to 5 months, n = 9). Mean follow-up was 9 months (6 weeks to 23 months). Peri- and postoperative RFA measurements will be discussed with 6 children having RFAs sufficiently high for hearing processor loading much earlier post-implantation. Implant stability was maintained after loading with the hearing processor.

Conclusions:

This study indicates that a larger study is warranted to evaluate both the role of sequential RFA measurements in the timings of Baha hearing processor loading and the possibility of loading at 4-6 weeks in selected children. Subsequently RFA measurements may also be used to decide between single- and two-stage surgery.