Retrosigmoid implantation of an active bone conduction stimulator in a patient with chronic otitis media

Abstract

Percutaneous bone conduction implants are widely used in patients with conductive and mixed hearing loss with no benefit from conventional air conduction hearing aids. These devices have several complications including skin reaction, wound infection, growth of skin over the abutment, and implant extrusion. We describe a case of a transcutaneous bone conduction implantation (Bonebridge, Med-el) in a patient with conductive hearing loss due to chronic otitis media. Surgical planification was performed with the software 3D slicer 4.1. According to this program, the implant transductor was positioned in the retrosigmoid area. Aided thresholds demonstrate a significant benefit, with an improvement from 68dB to 25dB. Speech discrimination scores improved 35dB. The patient is very happy and uses her device daily. The Bonebridge implant is a promising transcutaneous bone conduction implant for patients with conductive hearing loss. Retrosigmoid implantation may be useful in cases with mastoid pathology or previous surgery.

Keywords: Auditory implant; Bone conduction; Hearing loss; Retrosigmoid.