Self-rated efficacy in bilateral aural atresia patients using bone-anchored hearing aid / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Using questionnaires to evaluate the audiological benefit and satisfaction of bilateral aural atresia patients with bone-anchored hearing aid (Baha).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Implanted Baha user questionnaire was applied to 19 patients suffering bilateral aural atresia, and 15 of the patients were evaluated with abbreviated profile of hearing aid benefit (APHAB). Glasgow children's benefit inventory (GCBI) was used to measure subjective benefit of patients under the age of 18.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The Baha user questionnaire demonstrated great satisfaction. The mean Baha scores for the subdomains of ease of communication (EC), backgroud noise (BN) and revereration (RV) were decreased by 54.6 ± 10.2 (t = 20.6, P < 0.05), 46.9 ± 11.1 (t = 16.4, P < 0.05) and 58.8 ±15.4 (t = 21.4, P < 0.05) compared to the unaided scores. For the subdomain of aversiveness (AV), the Baha score was 56.7 ± 9.9 (t = 10.8, P < 0.05) higher than the unaided score. The general benefit score GCBI was 41.1 ± 13.0.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Baha can significantly improve hearing ability and quality of life of patients with bilateral aural atresia.</p>