# Study: Long-term audiological benefits with the BONEBRIDGE []() [hearbetter](https://hearbetter.medel.com/en-int/) > [Science Updates](https://hearbetter.medel.com/en-int/science-updates/) > Study: Long-term audiological benefits with the BONEBRIDGE [ Back ](javascript:history.back()) # Study: Long-term audiological benefits with the BONEBRIDGE ## **SCIENCE UPDATE** *New scientific studies summarized for you* ### Study: **Long-term audiological benefit with the BONEBRIDGE** (Original title: Long-term audiological benefit with an active transcutaneous bone-conduction device: a retrospective cohort analysis, Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2021; Hunderpfund J et al.) ### **Take home message**: The BONEBRIDGE delivers good long-term audiological and speech benefits and is a safe and effective treatment for conductive and mixed hearing losses. ### **Background:** Studies on long-term benefits of active transcutaneous bone-conduction devices, such as the BONEBRIDGE, are rare. Most studies on these devices cover short-term periods and rather small patient cohorts. ### **Method:** - 31 adult patients (mean age: 45.9±19.23 yrs) with unilateral conductive hearing loss or mixed hearing loss - Retrospective - Time of study: 7.1 years (2012-2019) - Main outcome measures: pure-tone audiometry and speech audiometry in quiet with German Freiburger monosyllable test at 65 dB SPL - Data collection: - Baseline: pre-implantation - follow-up 1: short-term (<12 months / 0.4±0.2 years, n = 26) - follow-up 2: long-term (> 12 months / 4.1±1.7 years, n = 21) ### Results:** - BC thresholds remained almost stable before and after implantation. - Mean BONEBRIDGE-aided AC PTA4 thresholds were significantly lower than in the pre-implant unaided condition, both for short-term and for long-term follow-ups. - Word recognition scores in quiet improved considerably in the aided condition for both short-term and long-term observation periods compared to the unaided condition. - Surgical considerations, particularly the usage of lifts for bone conduction surgery, did not make a difference. - Adverse events: 10 minor procedure-related and 5 implant-related events occurred during follow-up period, all of them manageable. Read the study here: [doi: 10.1007/s00405-021-07031-w](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00405-021-07031-w) ## Stay ahead in cochlear implant innovation Subscribe for peer-reviewed updates, case studies, and the latest developments in hearing restoration technology from leading medical professionals. Subscribe Information about MED-EL's privacy policy can be found [here](https://hearbetter.medel.com/en-int/privacy-policy/). A valid email is required.