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Is the use of a bone conduction hearing device on a softband a useful tool in the pre-operative assessment of suitability for other hearing implants?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 July 2018

P M Spielmann ,
R Roplekar ,
C Rae ,
F Ahmed  and
S E M Jones
P M Spielmann
Affiliation:
University Department of Otolaryngology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, UK
R Roplekar
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Luton and Dunstable Hospital, UK
C Rae
Affiliation:
Department of Audiology, Kings Cross Hospital, Dundee, Scotland, UK
F Ahmed
Affiliation:
Department of Audiology, Kings Cross Hospital, Dundee, Scotland, UK
S E M Jones*
Affiliation:
University Department of Otolaryngology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Mr Stephen E M Jones, University Department of Otolaryngology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK E-mail: stephenemjones@nhs.net
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Abstract

Objective

To assess whether pre-operative assessment with a bone conduction hearing device on a softband is an accurate predictor of performance with one of two transcutaneous hearing implants.

Study design

Cohort study comparing pre-and post-operative speech audiometry using correlation analysis.

Methods

Pre-operative pure tone audiometry and aided half optimum speech recognition thresholds were compared with post-operative aided results for each ear that had undergone implantation. Data were collected prospectively.

Results

Full data were available in 24 ears. In 19 out of 24 ears (79 per cent), the difference between pre- and post-operative speech scores was less than 10 dB, demonstrating a good clinical correlation. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated at 0.66 (95 per cent confidence interval = 0.357–0.842), indicating a strong statistical correlation.

Conclusion

Pre-operative softband testing shows good clinical correlation and strong statistical correlation with hearing implant performance. The findings suggest there is value in using the test to predict performance and guide patients’ expectations.

Keywords

Hearing LossBone Conduction HearingImplantMiddle Ear
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 132 , Issue 6 , June 2018 , pp. 505 - 508
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited, 2018 

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Footnotes

Mr S E M Jones takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

References

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