Postoperative validation of bone-anchored implants in the single-sided deafness population

Objective: The purpose of this study was to present objective and subjective outcomes on speech-in-noise testing as a predictor of patient performance after bone-anchored implant surgery in patients with single-sided deafness (SSD). Design: Retrospective review of adult subjects who received bone-anchored implants for the indication of SSD comparing results on speech-in-noise measures in the unaided condition to postoperative aided condition using the patient's external boneanchored implant processor as a validation of device performance. Setting: Tertiary referral center providing outpatient surgical and audiologic care. Patients: Adult English speaking subjects with SSD who underwent bone-anchored implantation between 2005 and 2010. Intervention: Subjects were evaluated with speech-in-noise measures in the sound field using a 90/270 speaker configuration in both the unaided and aided implant condition for validation of implant performance. Subjective benefit was evaluated using the Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile. Main Outcome Measures: Outcome measures included signalto- noise ratio (SNR) loss and word recognition ability in noise as measured using the QuickSIN and the Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile. Results: A significant improvement in speech-in-noise measures was noted in the postoperative aided condition when compared with the unaided condition (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p G 0.0001). Significant decrease in disability postoperatively also was observed (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p G 0.001). Positive associations were observed for postoperative aided SNR loss and benefit, satisfaction, and use. Passing-Bablok regression analysis showed the preoperative and postoperative results to be statistically equivalent. Conclusion: The results support the use of speech-in-noise measures as an accurate postimplantation assessment of overall benefit in patients with SSD. SNR loss is a good predictor of postoperative subjective benefit and satisfaction.