Learning Objectives:
Introduction: Hearing results obtained after tympanoplasty surgeries in patients after radical operations are not always satisfactory. In these patients with chronic otitis media after radical operations and lack of the ossicles, hearing improvement may be achieved with stimulation of the round or oval windows using Vibrant Soundbridge MEI.
Aim: The objective of the study was to analyze hearing results obtained after surgical application of Vibrant Soundbridge in treatment of hearing impaired patients with chronic inflammation of the middle ear, especially after radical modified operations.
Material and Methods: The selected group of patients were adults with chronic inflammation of the middle ear, after radical modified operations with destruction of the elements of the middle ear - tympanic membrane and ossicles. Patients presented conductive or mixed type of hearing impairment. In these patients Vibrant Soundbridge was used as the method of hearing improvement. Surgical approach included FMT placement in the direct proximity of the round window membrane. We discussed the indications, contraindications and limitations of use of Vibrant Soundbridge in this group of patients.
Results and conclusions: Direct stimulation of the round window is an alternative method of treatment in selected group of patients with hearing impairment and mild to severe destruction of the middle ear elements. In all cases subjective hearing improvement was noticed and confirmed in audiological tests. The benefits of Vibrant Soundbridge use are significant.
