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Bone‐Anchored Hearing Aid Quality of Life Assessed by Glasgow Benefit Inventory
Author(s) -
Arunachalam Perumkulam S.,
Kilby David,
Meikle David,
Davison Tom,
Johnson Ian J. M.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/00005537-200107000-00022
Subject(s) - medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , hearing aid , hearing loss , atresia , psychological intervention , ear disease , audiology , surgery , nursing , psychiatry
Abstract Objective/Hypothesis The bone‐anchored hearing aid (BAHA) is a well established mode of treatment and many studies show the audiological benefit, but none has assessed the benefit to the quality of life of patients. This study uses the validated Glasgow Benefit Inventory to quantify the changes in quality of life. Study Design Retrospective questionnaire study. Methods Sixty consecutive patients receiving treatment with BAHA were enrolled in the study. The male/female ratio was 1.26 to 1; mean patient age was 45 years. The most common indication was hearing loss secondary to mastoid disease and surgery followed by congenital atresia and chronic discharge from the ear. Results The response rate was 85%, which is high and adds weight to the results. The general benefit score was +34 (range, +27–+48), which is comparable to middle ear surgery but just below benefit from cochlear implantation. The social benefit was +21 (range, +12–+37) with only +10 (range, +2–+26) for the physical score. This pattern mirrors that reported for other ear interventions. Maximum benefit was noted in patients with congenital atresias followed by discharging mastoid cavities. Conclusion This study is the first to demonstrate significant quality of life benefit from BAHA surgical intervention as measured by the Glasgow Benefit Inventory.