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Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology 6/2024

22-04-2024 | Review Article

Efficacy of vibrant sound bridge in congenital aural atresia: an updated systematic review

Authors: Afrah Alshalan, Farid Alzhrani

Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology | Issue 6/2024

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Abstract

Purpose

The indications of Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) have been expanded to include patients with conductive and mixed hearing loss due to congenital aural atresia (CAA). However, the current evidence supporting the auditory outcomes of VSB is based mainly on case reports and retrospective chart reviews. Therefore, the present systematic review aims to summarize and critically appraise the current evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of VSB in children and adult patients with CAA.

Methods

A systematic literature search retrieved studies that evaluated the outcomes of unilateral or bilateral implantation of VSB in patients with CAA. The bibliographic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases from January 2000 to December 2022.

Results

Twenty-seven studies were included in the present systematic review. Overall, the speech perception after VSB was good, with a mean word recognition score (WRS) score ranging from 60 to 96.7%. The mean postoperative speech recognition threshold (SRT) after implantation ranged from 20.8 to 50 dB. The effective gain was reported in 15 studies, ranging from 31.3 to 45.5 dB. In terms of user satisfaction with VSB, the included studies showed significant improvements in the patient-reported outcomes, such as the Speech Spatial and Qualities of Hearing scale and Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile. The VSB implantation was generally safe with low incidence of postoperative complications.

Conclusion

VSB provides significant benefits to individuals with hearing loss owing to CAA, with very good subjective outcomes and a low risk of complications.
Appendix
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Literature
Metadata
Title
Efficacy of vibrant sound bridge in congenital aural atresia: an updated systematic review
Authors
Afrah Alshalan
Farid Alzhrani
Publication date
22-04-2024
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology / Issue 6/2024
Print ISSN: 0937-4477
Electronic ISSN: 1434-4726
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-024-08629-6

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