Adverse Events Associated With Bone-Conduction and Middle-Ear Implants: A Systematic Review
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
Schwab, B., Wimmer, W., et al. (2020).
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 277(2), 423-438.
This systematic review investigates the occurrence of perioperative adverse effects from bone-conduction hearing aids or active middle ear implants in patients with hearing loss.
Not stated
January 1996 to December 2016
Any published English or German study, excluding systematic reviews, case reports, and cochlear implant studies
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The authors of this review conclude that the currently available evidence on the occurrence of postoperative adverse effects (AEs) of hearing implants [i.e., bone-conduction hearing aids (BCHA) or active middle ear implants (aMEI)] is insufficient because the studies lacked rigor and consistency in reporting AEs over time. Among the studies that did report AEs, individuals who received BCHAs most often experienced skin-related AEs, while individuals who received aMEIs experienced occurrences of taste disturbance, dizziness or vertigo, or postoperative pain. The authors noted that the more complex surgeries (i.e., aMEI) may result in improved hearing outcomes, but patients are more likely to experience more serious AEs. Meanwhile, simpler surgeries (i.e., BCHA) provide more limited amplification outcomes, but patients experience less serious and fewer AEs. Further research on hearing implants using standardized and rigorous reporting of postoperative adverse effects is required.
