With single sided deafness, the guidelines indicate bone conduction thresholds in the good ear to be within 20 dB average between 500 and 3000 Hz. There has been advice saying that closer to 0-10 dB is optimal. As we approach 20 dB, how much of a risk are we taking toward less than optimal result? For example, with thresholds of 15, 15, 15, and 35dB respectively at those frequencies. How should we advise the patient?
Answer
When using a modern bone anchored hearing system for the treatment of singled sided deafness, the risk of a less than optimal result as you approach an average loss of 20dB in the good ear is minimal. Modern bone anchored devices have more than adequate power and bandwidth to provide amplification throughout the frequency range for that degree of loss. You could argue that was not the case in the past. However, using the new more powerful processors with expanded bandwidths and the flexibility provided by digital sound processing, you can be confident that sufficient amplification, without feedback, can be provided.
Ravi Sockalingam, PhD, FAAA
Director of Clinical Research and Professional Relations
Dr Ravi Sockalingam is the director of clinical research and professional relations for Oticon Medical LLC. A native of Singapore, he completed his training in speech pathology and audiology at the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia where he also received his PhD in Audiology. As a full time faculty in audiology he had taught and undertaken research in various areas of audiology in Australia, Israel, Canada, China, New Zealand. Prior to joining Oticon Medical LLC in Dec 2010, he was the senior audiologist and manager of audiology communications at Oticon’s international head quarters in Smorum, Denmark for three years.
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