Provision of bone conduction hearing implants in England in adults and children: a review of Hospital Episode Statistics data 2012-2021

Abstract

Objective: Bone conduction hearing implants are a well-established method of hearing rehabilitation in children and adults. This study aimed to review any changes in provision in England.

Methods: The total number of bone conduction hearing implantations performed was analysed from 2012 to 2021 utilising Hospital Episode Statistics data for England.

Results: The total number of procedures has increased by 58 per cent. One-stage bone conduction hearing implantations in adults accounts for the largest proportion of this increase (93 per cent of the total). The number performed in children has remained stable and accounts for 73 per cent (n = 433) of all two-stage procedures.

Conclusion: The data show that bone conduction hearing implant surgery is becoming increasingly popular, particularly in adults. This has correlated with the increase in availability, national recommendations and choice of devices.

Keywords: Bone conduction; adhesives; adult; bone screws; child; conductive; hearing loss; humans; infant; mastoid; morbidity; state medicine; titanium; transducers; vibration; wound healing.