Indications ot the new OSIA​ implant – first Ulmer Results

Introduction 

Rehabilitation of conductive and mixed hearing loss with conventional hearing aids is not always sufficient. Such types of hearing loss are indications for bone conducting implants (BCI). Percutaneous and transcutaneous BCI often cause local infections or painful pressure marks. According to that active, partially implantable hearing devices do have advantages. In case of single sided deafness BCI can be applied as CROS (contralateral routing of signal) device.

Materials and Methods 

Patients aged 4 to 48 years with conductive and mixed hearing loss as well as single sided deafness due to different reasons were implanted with a Cochlear<sup>TM</sup > OSIA​ system. The postoperative local findings and the postoperative hearing improvement by the OSIA​ system were analyzed and compared to alternative, proven BCI.

Results 

All patients were satisfied with the postoperative results. Speech understanding significantly improved in all cases compared to the unaided situation and to conventional hearing aids. Skin incision can be varied depending on clinical findings and indication to achieve optimal cosmetic results. After mastoidectomy the OSIA​ system can be placed without any problems. Even in infancy the system is an option for hearing rehabilitation.

Conclusion 

The new OSIA​ implant, like other passive and active BCI, can be used to treat conductive and mixed hearing loss, and as a CROS solution for single sided deafness. The cosmetic and audiological results are comparable. The system appears to be particularly suitable for conditions, in which space in the bone is limited.

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
24. Mai 2022