Mediterr. J. Otol 2008; 4:(3)

Round Window Application of Implantable Hearing Aids in Radical Cavities
Levent Olgun, Muzaffer Balaban, Mehmet Ziya Özüer, Gürol Gültekin, Burcu Uçkan

Introduction: Electromagnetic middle ear implants which were originally used in patients with high frequency hearing losses with normal middle ear conductive mechanism, recently were begun to be used on patients with defective or absent ossicles. Round window application of transducer of electromagnetic implant, first used by Colletti seems to be promising in such patients.

Objectives: In this study indications and a modified technique of round window attachment of an electromagnetic implant (Vibrant Sound Bridge) would be presented and results obtained on 5 patients would be discussed.

Materials and Methods: All patients had been implanted at Izmir Teaching and Research Hospital on 2007 – 2008. All cases were formerly operated in various centers because of cholesteatoma and all but one found to be free of residual or recurrent cholesteatoma during surgery. In all cases floating mass transducer has been applied onto the round window membrane in a perichondrial envelope. Patients were switched on 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Results: Pre-op AC levels were between 65-85 db (median 69.3) and BC levels were between 10.1-60db (median 33.7). SDS scores were between 46-95 % (median 77.3) In all patients we have not seen any detoriation in these values after surgery. After switch on hearing thresholds with implant were elevated near to BC levels. SDS scores were considerably better in all patients (median 83) after surgery.