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Active middle-ear implant fixation in an unusual place: clinical and audiological outcomes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 February 2016

J F Polanski ,
A D Soares ,
Z M Dos Santos  and
O L Mendonça Cruz
J F Polanski*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Federal University of São Paulo (‘UNIFESP’), Curitiba, Brazil Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil
A D Soares
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Federal University of São Paulo (‘UNIFESP’), Curitiba, Brazil
Z M Dos Santos
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Federal University of São Paulo (‘UNIFESP’), Curitiba, Brazil
O L Mendonça Cruz
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Federal University of São Paulo (‘UNIFESP’), Curitiba, Brazil
*
Address for correspondence: Dr José Fernando Polanski, Rua Des. Westphalen, 289–31, CEP: 80010-110, Curitiba, Brazil Fax: +55 41 3045 9400 E-mail: jfpolanski@gmail.com
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Abstract

Objective:

The Vibrant Soundbridge is an active middle-ear implant for hearing rehabilitation that is usually placed in the long process of the incus or round window. This study reports on the unusual implant attachment to the short process of the incus in a patient with ear malformation, and describes their audiological and clinical outcomes.

Methods:

Case report and literature review.

Results:

Audiological evaluation with the Vibrant Soundbridge implant showed a pure tone average of 31 dB. The speech test, at 65 dB HL, revealed correct recognition of 92 per cent of disyllabic words. The Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile showed high levels of satisfaction, hearing aid use and benefit.

Conclusion:

Fixation of the Vibrant Soundbridge implant on the short process of the incus is a feasible option, with good clinical and audiological outcomes. Coupling the floating mass transducer to the short process of the incus is a good surgical option, especially when the long process and the oval or round window are inaccessible.

Keywords

Hearing LossIncusHearing AidsMiddle Ear Implant

Information

Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 130 , Issue 4 , April 2016 , pp. 404 - 407
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2016 

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