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Implantable Hearing Devices (IHD)

Amplification and Assistive Devices (AAD)

RP310 - Fully Implantable Hearing Aid Long Term Outcomes

Friday, April 19, 2024

3:30 PM – 4:00 PM EST

Location: A402-403

Earn 0.05 CEUs

Instructional Level: Fundamental

Lead Presenter(s)

Jacqueline Bibee-Lerner, AuD

Audiologist, Director of Research
Shohet Ear Associates
Seal Beach, California

Disclosure(s): No financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

PDF Slides

Contributor(s)

Jack A. Shohet

President
Shohet Ear Associates Medical Group, Inc.
University of California, Irvine, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Newport Beach, California

Disclosure(s): Envoy Medical Corportation: Consultant (Ongoing), Consultant/Advisory Board (Ongoing)

Abstract: Fully implantable active middle ear implants (AMEI) provide an alternate wearing option for adults who cannot or will not use traditional hearing aids. This study tracked long term device use and satisfaction of 61 patients at a single clinical site. Common reasons for selecting the device included active lifestyle, sound quality, and ease of use. Battery life increased when the device was turned off at night and with better baseline hearing. The APHAB questionnaire showed AMEI outcomes comparable to modern conventional hearing aids. 88% of experienced users said they would recommend the implant.

Summary:

Rationale/

Purpose:
Evaluate long-term recipient use and satisfaction for a fully implantable active middle ear implant (AMEI).

Methods:
This retrospective study examined subjective patient AMEI use and benefit between 2018 and 2023. Patients completed a custom AMEI questionnaire and standardized APHAB questionnaire at routine battery check appointments approximately once every five years. Queried topics included device use, daily listening environments, and overall satisfaction with their AMEI. At the time of survey completion, patients had been using their implant between 4 and 18 years.

Results:
Among 61 long-term users of the Esteem AMEI in this study, average overall satisfaction was rated between “satisfied” and “very satisfied”. 88% would recommend the device to others. 93% said the Esteem allows them to live a more active lifestyle. Favorite features included convenience, sound quality, and hearing while swimming. Some patients disliked the need for battery change surgeries. APHAB questionnaire averages showed aided hearing outcomes comparable to traditional modern hearing aids.
Use varied widely among recipients. 49% of users turn their devices off at night. 20% changed the volume or programs on their remote control daily while 42% never made any adjustments. 20% of patients in this study wear AMEI in both ears. Common reasons for not having bilateral implants include the cost of a second implant and satisfaction with bimodal function. Revisions occurred in 15% of cases. 7% of patients were ultimately explanted.

Conclusion:
While traditional hearing aid technology has progressed tremendously over time, AMEI remains a beneficial long-term hearing solution for patients struggling with fit, use, and lifestyle limitations of traditional hearing aids.

Learning Objectives:
Describe how a fully implantable hearing aid / active middle ear implant (AMEI) works.
Identify good candidates for non-traditional hearing aids.
Compare AMEI outcomes to traditional HA outcomes.