The role of bone conduction hearing aids in congenital unilateral hearing loss: A systematic review.

TitleThe role of bone conduction hearing aids in congenital unilateral hearing loss: A systematic review.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsC Liu C, Livingstone D, Yunker WK
JournalInt J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol
Volume94
Pagination45-51
Date Published2017 Mar
ISSN1872-8464
KeywordsBone Conduction, Child, Hearing, Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss, Conductive, Hearing Loss, Sensorineural, Hearing Loss, Unilateral, Humans, Quality of Life, Sound Localization, Speech Perception
Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To systematically review the literature on the audiological and/or quality of life benefits of a bone conduction hearing aid (BCHA) in children with congenital unilateral conductive or sensorineural deafness.

METHODS: A systematic search was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines using the PubMed, Medline, and Embase databases. Data were collected on the following outcomes of interest: speech reception threshold, speech discrimination, sound localization, and quality of life measures. Given the heterogeneity of the data for quantitative analysis, the results are qualitatively summarized.

RESULTS: Eight studies were included in the review. Four studies examined the audiological outcomes associated with bone conduction hearing aid implantation. There was a consistent gain in speech reception thresholds and speech discrimination, especially in noisy environments. Results pertaining to sound localization was inconsistent. The studies that examined quality of life measures reported a high usage rate of BCHAs among children. Quality of life improvements are reported with suggested benefit in the subdomain of learning.

CONCLUSION: Given the potential benefits of a BCHA, along with the fact that it can be safely trialed using a headband, it is reasonable to trial a BCHA in children with congenital unilateral deafness. Should the trial offer audiological and/or quality of life benefits for the individual child, then BCHA implantation can be considered.

DOI10.1016/j.ijporl.2017.01.003
Alternate JournalInt J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol
PubMed ID28167010
Faculty Reference: 
Che Carrie Liu, MD, MPH