The Baha system in patients with single-sided deafness and contralateral hearing loss

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Baha system in cases of single-sided deafness (SSD) and mild to moderate hearing loss in the better-hearing ear.

Study design: Prospective trial.

Setting: Tertiary otologic referral center.

Subjects and methods: Twenty-one patients with SSD and mild to moderate hearing loss in the contralateral ear implanted with the Baha system between June 2006 and March 2008 were evaluated following Baha implantation and fitting with the Divino and Intenso processors. Pure-tone air and bone conduction thresholds, sound-field testing (aided and unaided in quiet and noise) of consonant nucleus consonant words (Northwestern University Auditory Test No. 6 words), and Hearing in Noise Test sentences were obtained. Patient satisfaction questionnaires were administered pre- and post-intervention for either device.

Results: Patients with SSD and mild to moderate hearing loss in the contralateral ear showed a statistically significant improvement in all measures with the use of the Divino or Intenso processors compared with the unaided situation. Change in hearing, as measured in noise testing word recognition scores, revealed a statistically significant difference between the two aided conditions favoring the Intenso (P < 0.05). The Glasgow Benefit Inventory revealed that 91 percent of the patients reported improvement in their quality of life and would recommend the procedure to others.

Conclusion: The Baha system is effective in the rehabilitation of patients with SSD and mild to moderate hearing loss in the only hearing ear. Results of the current study suggest that either the Divino or Intenso processor was successful in reestablishing hearing from the deafened side.