Abstract
The purpose of this study was to present objective and subjective outcomes on speech-in-noise testing as a predictor of patient performance after bone-anchored implant surgery in patients with single-sided deafness (SSD).
Retrospective review of adult subjects who received bone-anchored implants for the indication of SSD comparing results on speech-in-noise measures in the unaided condition to postoperative aided condition using the patient's external bone-anchored implant processor as a validation of device performance.
Tertiary referral center providing outpatient surgical and audiologic care.
Adult English speaking subjects with SSD who underwent bone-anchored implantation between 2005 and 2010.
Subjects were evaluated with speech-in-noise measures in the sound field using a 90/270 speaker configuration in both the unaided and aided implant condition for validation of implant performance. Subjective benefit was evaluated using the Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile.
Outcome measures included signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) loss and word recognition ability in noise as measured using the QuickSIN and the Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile.
A significant improvement in speech-in-noise measures was noted in the postoperative aided condition when compared with the unaided condition (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p < 0.0001). Significant decrease in disability postoperatively also was observed (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p < 0.001). Positive associations were observed for postoperative aided SNR loss and benefit, satisfaction, and use. Passing-Bablok regression analysis showed the preoperative and postoperative results to be statistically equivalent.
The results support the use of speech-in-noise measures as an accurate postimplantation assessment of overall benefit in patients with SSD. SNR loss is a good predictor of postoperative subjective benefit and satisfaction.
