Utilization of bone-anchored hearing aids in children.

OBJECTIVE

Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHAs) are indicated for use in children with bilateral microtia or chronic suppurative otitis media, which precludes the use of conventional hearing aids.

METHODS

Nineteen consecutive children using BAHAs were reviewed retrospectively. Outcome measures included the long-term stability of BAHAs, frequency of adverse dermatological reactions at the implant site, and audiologic thresholds.

RESULTS

Osseointegration was achieved in 95% of patients. One patient lost the implant fixture secondary to direct head trauma. Site revisions were required for only two patients secondary to soft-tissue overgrowth at the abutment site. There were no differences between pre-implantation and post-implantation bone or air conduction thresholds, but there was a statistical improvement in the post-implantation aided thresholds.

CONCLUSIONS

Utilization of paediatric BAHAs, in a distinct population, is a reliable and successful method for audiologic rehabilitation.