Is the use of a bone conduction hearing device on a softband a useful tool in the pre-operative assessment of suitability for other hearing implants?

Objective: To assess whether pre-operative assessment with a bone conduction hearing device on a softband is an accurate predictor of performance with one of two transcutaneous hearing implants.Study designCohort study comparing pre-and post-operative speech audiometry using correlation analysis.

Methods: Pre-operative pure tone audiometry and aided half optimum speech recognition thresholds were compared with post-operative aided results for each ear that had undergone implantation. Data were collected prospectively.

Results: Full data were available in 24 ears. In 19 out of 24 ears (79 per cent), the difference between pre- and post-operative speech scores was less than 10 dB, demonstrating a good clinical correlation. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated at 0.66 (95 per cent confidence interval = 0.357-0.842), indicating a strong statistical correlation.

Conclusion: Pre-operative softband testing shows good clinical correlation and strong statistical correlation with hearing implant performance. The findings suggest there is value in using the test to predict performance and guide patients' expectations.