Sebastian P Schraven1, Wilma Gromann, Kristen Rak, Wafaa Shehata-Dieler, Rudolf Hagen, Robert Mlynski. 1. *Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery, Comprehensive Hearing Center, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg †Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery "Otto Körner," University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine the long-term results of an active middle-ear implant (AMEI) with floating-mass transducer (FMT) technology. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study of German-speaking patients implanted with an AMEI between 2006 and 2013. SETTING: Single-center study. PATIENTS: Eighty-three patients. INTERVENTION: AMEI with FMT technology implantation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Long-term outcome (27 mo; range, 12-84 mo) for FMT position in correlation with pure-tone audiometry, auditory thresholds for frequency-modulated (warble) tones, vibroplasty thresholds for pure tones, and speech audiometry in quiet and noise. RESULTS: In 15.6% of patients, a revision surgery was necessary to improve functional performance of the AMEI, and the highest revision rate was found with FMT coupling to the round window not using couplers. A peak number of revision surgeries were observed 3 years after the initial surgery. Stable audiological results (pure-tone audiometry and speech audiometry in quiet and noise) were observed up to 84-month post-surgery. Incus vibroplasty (classic indication) showed a significantly lower functional gain compared with oval and round window vibroplasty. Vibroplasty in combined or conductive hearing loss showed no functional difference between forward and reverse stimulation of the cochlea; however, significantly lower vibroplasty thresholds were detected when using a coupler. CONCLUSIONS: The AMEI with FMT technology can be safely used in treatment of patients with mild-to-severe sensorineural, conductive, or mixed hearing loss. Optimized coupling, especially in incus vibroplasty, has to be developed to achieve enhanced audiological results.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the long-term results of an active middle-ear implant (AMEI) with floating-mass transducer (FMT) technology. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study of German-speaking patients implanted with an AMEI between 2006 and 2013. SETTING: Single-center study. PATIENTS: Eighty-three patients. INTERVENTION: AMEI with FMT technology implantation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Long-term outcome (27 mo; range, 12-84 mo) for FMT position in correlation with pure-tone audiometry, auditory thresholds for frequency-modulated (warble) tones, vibroplasty thresholds for pure tones, and speech audiometry in quiet and noise. RESULTS: In 15.6% of patients, a revision surgery was necessary to improve functional performance of the AMEI, and the highest revision rate was found with FMT coupling to the round window not using couplers. A peak number of revision surgeries were observed 3 years after the initial surgery. Stable audiological results (pure-tone audiometry and speech audiometry in quiet and noise) were observed up to 84-month post-surgery. Incus vibroplasty (classic indication) showed a significantly lower functional gain compared with oval and round window vibroplasty. Vibroplasty in combined or conductive hearing loss showed no functional difference between forward and reverse stimulation of the cochlea; however, significantly lower vibroplasty thresholds were detected when using a coupler. CONCLUSIONS: The AMEI with FMT technology can be safely used in treatment of patients with mild-to-severe sensorineural, conductive, or mixed hearing loss. Optimized coupling, especially in incus vibroplasty, has to be developed to achieve enhanced audiological results.
Authors: D Beutner; W Delb; H Frenzel; U Hoppe; K B Hüttenbrink; R Mlynski; A Limberger; R Schönweiler; B Schwab; I Todt; M Walger; T Wesarg; T Zahnert; R Zeh Journal: HNO Date: 2018-07 Impact factor: 1.284
Authors: D Beutner; W Delb; H Frenzel; U Hoppe; K B Hüttenbrink; R Mlynski; A Limberger; R Schönweiler; B Schwab; I Todt; M Walger; T Wesarg; T Zahnert; R Zeh Journal: HNO Date: 2018-09 Impact factor: 1.284
Authors: Laura Fröhlich; Alexander Müller; Miriam H Kropp; Parwis Mir-Salim; Oliver Dziemba; Tobias Oberhoffner; Stefan K Plontke; Torsten Rahne Journal: Front Neurol Date: 2022-01-20 Impact factor: 4.003