SCIENCE UPDATE
Scientific studies summarized for you
Study: Auditory Performance and Subjective Satisfaction with the ADHEAR System
(Original title: Auditory Performance and Subjective Satisfaction with the ADHEAR System. Audiol Neurootol. 2021;26(1):1-10.Almuhawas et al.)
Take home message:
The ADHEAR system, a non-surgical bone conduction hearing system, can be used effectively in patients with normal bone conduction mechanisms. It improves audiological outcomes, with long wearing times, high patient satisfaction and wearing comfort.
Background:
Bone conduction hearing aids are a well-established treatment option for individuals with permanent conductive and mixed hearing loss. Some of these devices use a soft headband which requires high.
static pressure on the skin to reach audiological benefits. This may lead to skin irritation and pain. The new ADHEAR technology uses a hypoallergic adhesive adapter instead of a headband. Through its direct connection with the skull, vibrations are transmitted to the cochlea via the mastoid, without exerting pressure.
Aim of the study:
- Examine the audiological benefits of the ADHEAR system
- Assess subject patient satisfaction and acceptance of the ADHEAR system
Method:
- 6 adult patients and 6 paediatric patients with permanent conductive hearing loss
- 3 months prospective study
- Main outcome measures
- Audiological assessments in unaided and aided conditions
- 2 subjective questionnaires to assess patient acceptance, wearing time and comfort and audiological satisfaction with the ADHEAR system
Results:
Overall improvement of 23 dB HL (±4) in the aided PTA condidtion compared to the unaided. On average, word recognition improved by 32 ± 17.7% in quiet and 21 ± 15.1% in noise.
83% of the study participants tolerated the ADHEAR system very well and did not experience any skin irritation and reported good to very good sound quality. They also rated the ADHEAR system comfortable to wear.
Read the study here: Auditory Performance and Subjective Satisfaction with the ADHEAR System – PubMed (nih.gov)