Ricerc@Sapienza

Background: Recently, the use of transcutaneous bone conduction implants (BCIs) has been increased. However, scarce data about BCI hearing recovery in noise conditions have been reported. Objectives: To investigate the audiological benefits obtained with transcutaneous BCI-Sophono Alpha System in noise conditions. To evaluate post-implantation clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction levels. Materials and methods: Fourteen patients suffering from conductive or mixed hearing loss implanted with the Sophono Alpha System were evaluated.

Presbycusis is the most prevalent age-related, non-reversible, sensorineural hearing loss. Evidence supporting the relationship between auditory dysfunction and cognitive degeneration has grown over the years. Because of the aging of the world population, an early identification of the disease and an audiological recovery could mitigate the rate of cognitive decline with positive consequences for quality of elderly’ social life. A group of 50 patient (70–92 years) underwent audiometric tonal examination to evaluate hearing ability.