Resident University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
Introduction: Aural atresia is a congenital condition affecting development of the external auditory canal and can lead to maximal conductive hearing loss. Unilateral aural atresia (UAA) patients are at higher risk of speech and learning difficulties. The primary objective of this study was to assess the long-term compliance, complications, and quality of life of pediatric patients with UAA who had transcutaneous bone conduction hearing implants (TCBI).
Methods: A retrospective chart review of a single centre between 2014 – 2018. Inclusion criteria consisted of UAA patients between 5-17 years-old. Demographic and audiologic data was extracted from charts. A prospective telephone survey was done, with patients and their families completing the Glasgow Children’s Benefit Inventory (GCBI). Basic descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and a univariate analysis were completed.
Results: In total, 15 eligible patients were identified. Data was collected from 9 children (60%) who were able to be reached. The mean follow-up duration was 32 months after TBCI (9 - 60 months). The mean daily use was 7.7 hours/day. Pure tone average improvement and mean speech in noise were both significantly improved between unaided and aided ears (p <0.001). The majority (89%) of patients had an improvement in GCBI; the median GCBI score was +15.6, indicating overall positive benefit. A linear regression showed no demographic variables were significant for mean daily use or GCBI. Complications included chronic pain, failed wound healing, and headaches related to the processor.
Discussion: This preliminary study showed that patients with TCBI for UAA had high long term compliance and daily usage rates. TCBI improved the quality of life for the majority of patients and significantly improved hearing measures.