Tadashi Nishimura1, Hiroshi Hosoi2, Tomoko Sugiuchi3, Nozomu Matsumoto4, Takanori Nishiyama5, Takano Kenichi6, Satofumi Sugimoto7, Hiroaki Yazama8, Takeshi Sato9, Masahiro Komori10. 1. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan. 2. MBT(Medicine-Based Town) Institute, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan. 3. Sugiuchi Clinic, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan. 4. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku Fukuoka, Japan. 5. Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan. 6. Department of Otolaryngology, Sapporo Medical University, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Japan. 7. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Japan. 8. Division of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan. 9. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan. 10. Department of Otolaryngology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Oko-cho, Nankoku-shi, Kochi, Japan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cartilage conduction hearing aids (CCHAs) were newly devised and spread fast in Japan since their launch in 2017. However, little knowledge is available for this new device. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to establish the knowledge of CCHAs and suggest their indication. RESEARCH DESIGN: Correlational study. STUDY SAMPLE: A total 256 patients were registered. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The fitting of CCHAs was surveyed in nine institutions. The outcomes were assessed by audiometric tests. The patients were classified into seven groups, depending on the ear conditions. The clinical characteristics, assessment results, and purchase rates were compared among the groups. The assessment results of CCHAs were also compared with those of previously used hearing aids. RESULTS: Most patients who used CCHAs were classified into the bilateral closed (aural atresia or severe stenosis) ear (n = 65) or unilateral closed ear (n = 124) groups. The patients in these groups achieved good benefits that resulted in a high purchase rate. The bilateral continuous otorrhea group also supported a high purchase rate, although the benefits of CCHAs were not always excellent. In contrast, the purchase rate was poor in the patients who could use air conduction hearing aids (ACHAs) without absolute problems. As for using a CCHA as a contralateral routing of signals hearing aid, the benefits depended on the patients. CONCLUSIONS: CCHAs are considered as a great option not only to the patients with closed ears but also to those who had difficulties in ACHAs usage. American Academy of Audiology. This article is published by Thieme.
BACKGROUND: Cartilage conduction hearing aids (CCHAs) were newly devised and spread fast in Japan since their launch in 2017. However, little knowledge is available for this new device. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to establish the knowledge of CCHAs and suggest their indication. RESEARCH DESIGN: Correlational study. STUDY SAMPLE: A total 256 patients were registered. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The fitting of CCHAs was surveyed in nine institutions. The outcomes were assessed by audiometric tests. The patients were classified into seven groups, depending on the ear conditions. The clinical characteristics, assessment results, and purchase rates were compared among the groups. The assessment results of CCHAs were also compared with those of previously used hearing aids. RESULTS: Most patients who used CCHAs were classified into the bilateral closed (aural atresia or severe stenosis) ear (n = 65) or unilateral closed ear (n = 124) groups. The patients in these groups achieved good benefits that resulted in a high purchase rate. The bilateral continuous otorrhea group also supported a high purchase rate, although the benefits of CCHAs were not always excellent. In contrast, the purchase rate was poor in the patients who could use air conduction hearing aids (ACHAs) without absolute problems. As for using a CCHA as a contralateral routing of signals hearing aid, the benefits depended on the patients. CONCLUSIONS:CCHAs are considered as a great option not only to the patients with closed ears but also to those who had difficulties in ACHAs usage. American Academy of Audiology. This article is published by Thieme.