New Transcutaneous Bone Conduction Hearing Implant System: Surgical and Audiological Outcomes

Aim: A new generation of bone-anchored hearing aid, Baha (R) 4 Attract System has been introduced as a single-stage procedure with the magnet and abutment implanted on the skull with complete skin cover. Aim is to discuss the surgical and audiological outcome of this new device. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study. There were 34 patients who fulfilled criteria for bone conduction hearing aid. Out of these patients, 27 were unwilling for the surgical procedure. Prior to the surgery, a trial with a soft band was carried out and seven patients were satisfied with the trial. The outcomes were measured in the form of free-field pure-tone audiometry (PTA) after 3 months of surgery and quality of life gain using Speech, Spatial and Quality of hearing scale (SSQ-12B) questionnaire. Results: Outcomes in terms of gain in free-field PTA were good in all the seven patients. An average gain of 37.85 dB was observed. There was an improvement in quality of life as assessed by SSQ 12B questionnaire. An average score of 40.25 was achieved. Conclusion: Transcutaneous bone conduction aids are fast emerging as a viable alternate to traditional devices. These devices provide almost similar functional gain in hearing along with better cosmetic results, less complications, and minimal wound care.