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Review
. 2014:2014:761579.
doi: 10.1155/2014/761579. Epub 2014 Apr 29.

Contemporary hearing rehabilitation options in patients with aural atresia

Jacky F W Lo  1 , Willis S S Tsang  2 , Joannie Y K Yu  3 , Osan Y M Ho  1 , Peter K M Ku  1 , Michael C F Tong  4
Affiliations
Review

Contemporary hearing rehabilitation options in patients with aural atresia

Jacky F W Lo et al. Biomed Res Int. 2014.

Abstract

Congenital aural atresia is the failure of development of the external auditory canal. It usually occurs in conjunction with microtia, which is the malformation of the auricle due to a failure of development of the external ear. Aural atresia, with or without microtia, may significantly affect the hearing and social life of the patients. It is important for every medical practitioner to be aware of the possible treatment options for hearing rehabilitation in this group of patients. In the era of modern technology, new choices, including Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) (Cochlear Ltd. and Oticon Medical), Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) (MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria), and Bonebridge system (BB) (MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria), provide high-end alternatives to traditional Bone Conduction Hearing Aid and Auditory Canal Reconstruction. All these options have advantages and disadvantages, and they are appropriate for different patients and/or at different ages. This paper aims to provide an overview of the management of hearing rehabilitation in congenital aural atresia patients and a discussion of each treatment option.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Bone conduction hearing aid. (a) Conventional headband, (b) softband BAHA.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Schematic diagram of BAHA implantation.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Intraoperative photo of BAHA surgery showing the installation of abutment.
Figure 4
Figure 4
(a) A Child with Bone Anchored Hearing Aid. (b) This patient also has a prosthetic ear with osseointegrated implant.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Bonebridge system. (a) The implant, (b) the audio processor.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Bonebridge surgery: drilling on the mastoid bone to create a cavity for inserting floating mass transducer.
Figure 7
Figure 7
(a) A right microtia patient receiving Bonebridge implantation. (b) Right Bonebridge implant in place.
Figure 8
Figure 8
A patient wearing Bonebridge. He also had Stage 1 microtia reconstruction done.
Figure 9
Figure 9
The Vibrant Soundbridge. The implant and the sound processor.
Figure 10
Figure 10
Right round window vibroplasty. The floating mass transducer sitting on round window niche.
Figure 11
Figure 11
Postimplantation of Vibrant Soundbridge.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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