Bone Conduction Implants for Hearing Rehabilitation in Skull Base Tumor Patients

J Neurol Surg B Skull Base. 2019 Apr;80(2):139-148. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1677690. Epub 2019 Feb 6.

Abstract

Bone conduction implants transfer sound to the inner ear through direct vibration of the skull. In patients with skull base tumors and infections, these devices can bypass a dysfunctional ear canal and/or middle ear. Though not all skull base surgery patients opt for bone conduction hearing rehabilitation, a variety of these devices have been developed and marketed over time. This article reviews the evolution and existing state of bone conduction technology.

Keywords: bone conduction implant; single-sided deafness; skull base surgery.