Long-Term Non-Users of Transcutaneous Auditory Implants: Thirty Years of Experience at a Single Institution

Miryam Calvino, Isabel Sánchez-Cuadrado, Javier Gavilán and Luis Lassaletta ()
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Miryam Calvino: Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ Research Institute, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Isabel Sánchez-Cuadrado: Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ Research Institute, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Javier Gavilán: Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ Research Institute, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Luis Lassaletta: Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ Research Institute, 28046 Madrid, Spain

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 13, 1-13

Abstract: Background: Although it is a recognized phenomenon, there is little published in the literature on the discontinuation of auditory implant use. Aim: To evaluate the incidence of device non-use of transcutaneous auditory implants. Patients and Methods : This is a retrospective study of all living individuals (children and adults) implanted at the La Paz Hospital (Madrid, Spain) between 1992–2015, with a follow-up examination endpoint of December 2022. 356 device recipients were included: 316 with cochlear implants (CI), 22 with middle-ear implants (Vibrant Soundbridge, VSB), and 18 with bone conduction implants (Bonebridge, BB). Results: Nine CI recipients (2.8%) were identified as non-users (mean follow-up 15.1 ± 5.4 years). The reasons for non-use were implant failure and reimplantation rejection, lack of benefit, non-attendance of rehabilitation sessions, loss of the audio processor, and cognitive and linguistic difficulties. None of them experienced any surgical complications. Six VSB recipients (27.3%) were device non-users (mean follow-up 11.4 ± 2.1 years). All of them experienced device failure or surgical complications. To date, none of the BB recipients is a non-user (mean follow-up 8.6 ± 1.1 years). Conclusion: The rates of non-use of transcutaneous auditory implants vary widely between different types of implants. Given the small proportion of non-users, information on what are the predictive factors could not be determined. The reasons for non-use should be carefully documented and used to guide careful patient selection to reduce the risk of non-use in future candidates.

Keywords: auditory implant; non-users; cochlear implant; vibrant soundbridge; bonebridge; well-being (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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