Functional Results of Vibrant Soundbridge Middle Ear Implants in Conductive and Mixed Hearing Losses

Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate the results of Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) in conductive or mixed hearing loss. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five adult patients (29 ears) with a mixed or conductive hearing loss and various etiologies were included in this retrospective study. The preoperative ipsilateral pure tone average was 71 8 +/- 3.0 dB, and the average bone conduction threshold was 42 8 +/- 2.8 dB (n = 29). The transducer was placed on the long apophysis of the incus (n = 16), in the round window (n = 10) or on the stapes (n = 3). Results: No complications were noted. The bone conduction threshold remained unchanged. VSB was activated in all cases. The postoperative pure tone average without VSB was 63 +/- 3.9 dB (n = 24) and with VSB in free-field condition 24 +/- 2.1 dB (n = 22). Conclusions: VSB is safe and efficacious for auditory rehabilitation in conductive and mixed hearing losses. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel