Current Developments and Challenge of Implantable Bone Conduction Hearing Aids / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

It is acknowledged that implantable bone conduction hearing aids such as a bone anchored hearing aid provide benefit and satisfaction to patients with unilateral hearing loss in terms of sound localization and speech perception under noise circumstances. This review paper introduces current models of the implantable bone conduction hearing aids, their candidacy, brief surgical procedures, and general audiological examinations. A table summary was used for nine published research papers which have very similar results by three points, i.e., no change in ability of sound localization, better performance of Hearing-In-Noise Test, and improved satisfaction of sound quality using questionnaires after the implantation. Unfortunately, systematic fitting strategy for users of the implantable bone conduction hearing aids has not been either studied or developed yet. Futhermore, there is no scientific based approach of reason why the implantation has no benefit in sound localization but still provides better performance for speech perception in noise. In conclusion, specific and effective fitting strategy of the current implantable bone conduction hearing aids should be developed and also support effect of the implantation with sensitivity and specificity for both clinicians and patients while accompanying their advanced technology.