Outcomes of the Baha Attract System combined with auricle reconstruction in mandarin speaking patients with bilateral microtia-atresia.

BACKGROUND

A transcutaneous bone-conduction hearing device (tBCHD), the Baha Attract System has been recently introduced to China, and very few studies have assessed the efficacy of this system in speakers of mandarin.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to analyze the functional and cosmetic outcomes of this system.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This prospective study included 11 patients (nine males, two females), of mean age 16 years (range 9-32 years). Seven patients were conducted the implantation simultaneously with auricle reconstruction, and the other four were before it. Auditory results were compared between unaided patients and implanted patients. Subjective satisfaction was analyzed using three questionnaires.

RESULTS

The mean sound field thresholds were 65.9 ± 5.1 dB SPL unaided and 30.9 ± 4.7 dB SPL with an implanted Baha Attract System, resulting in a mean hearing gain of 35.0 ± 6.7 dB. The mean WRS scores were 47.8 ± 8.7% unaided and 92.1 ± 2.0% with the Baha Attract System, resulting in a mean improvement of 47.8 ± 8.7%. No adverse events were reported and questionnaires showed good patients satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

The transcutaneous Baha Attract System is effective in mandarin speaking patients, and the combination of hearing rehabilitation and auricle reconstruction surgery is promising for patients with bilateral microtia-atresia.