The Journal of International
Advanced Otology
Original Article

The Baha® Attract System Implantations Significantly Improve the Quality of Life of Hearing-Impaired Patients in Long-Term Observations

1.

Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland

2.

Department of Computer Science and Statistics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland

J Int Adv Otol 2022; 18: 225-231
DOI: 10.5152/iao.2022.20110
Read: 1239 Downloads: 539 Published: 01 May 2022

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the Baha® Attract system implantation on the quality of life of hearing-impaired patients, who were qualified for surgery due to various audiological indications.

METHODS: A total of 96 patients implanted with the Baha® Attract system were asked to fill in the set of questionnaires: the Glasgow Benefit Inventory, the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing-Aid Benefit, and the BAHA Aesthetic, Hygiene, and Use. Totally 79 patients responded and were then analyzed. Patients were divided into 4 groups: A: with bilateral mixed or conductive hearing loss, B: with single-sided deafness, C: with unilateral mixed or conductive hearing loss, and D: others.

RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in quality of life measured by the Glasgow Benefit Inventory in all the analyzed groups, with a mean total score of 29.4 points (P < .001). Similarly, the evaluation by the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit questionnaire showed a significant improvement in terms of the global score in all the analyzed groups, with a mean gain of 38.6% (P < .001). There were no differences between the groups. More than 90% of patients found the Baha® Attract system easy to place on their heads and maintain good hygiene. Of all the implant users, 81% were satisfied with the final aesthetic effect.

CONCLUSION: The implantation of the Baha® Attract system significantly improves the quality of life of hearing-impaired patients in all subjec- tive scales used. The system is effective for all audiological indications when strictly adhered to. The majority of patients are very satisfied with the aesthetic, hygienic, and utility aspects of the device.

Cite this article as: Marszał J, Bartkowiak E, Miechowicz I, Wierzbicka M, Gawęcki W. The baha® attract system implantations significantly improve the quality of life of hearing-impaired patients in long-term observations. J Int Adv Otol. 2022;18(3):225-231.

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