Complications and audiological results of percutaneous bone-anchored hearing devices

Abstract

Abstract Objective To describe the post-operative complications and audiological results related to percutaneous bone-anchored hearing devices. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of 44 patients with bilateral conductive or mixed hearing loss who were implanted with unilateral Baha Connect or Ponto devices. A generalised linear model for repeated measurements was used. Results Twenty patients were Baha Connect users, and 24 were implanted with Ponto devices. Twenty-seven patients experienced complications. No fewer complications were found in the group of patients using longer abutments. When we compared the frequency of complications between Ponto and Baha Connect users, there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.90). Free-field hearing thresholds were statistically significantly improved when we compared pre- and post-operative results (p < 0.001). Average speech perception also improved (p < 0.001). Conclusion Despite percutaneous bone-anchored hearing devices having a high rate of complications, they provide significant audiological benefits.