Clinical feasibility of a novel test setup for objective measurements using the VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE

OBJECTIVES: The VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE is a widely used active middle ear implant to treat hearing loss. The floating mass transducer is surgically coupled to the ossicles, the round or oval window. A reliable method to monitor the coupling efficiency intraoperatively is highly desired. Research groups have developed several methods, but limitations remain. This study aims to evaluate the clinical feasibility of a new research setup for auditory brainstem response measurement to evaluate the coupling efficiency. METHOD: In 14 subjects, the new tool was used to record VSB‐evoked ABR thresholds during surgery. The intra‐op ABR thresholds were compared to pre‐op bone conduction (BC) thresholds and post‐op vibrogram thresholds to evaluate the feasibility of the method as a tool to monitor coupling efficiency. RESULTS: The mean pre‐op BC threshold average at 1, 2, and 4 kHz (PTA3) was 47 dB HL, the mean intra‐op ABR threshold was 54 dB nHL, and the mean post‐op vibrogram PTA3 was 60 dB HLeq. ABR was measurable in all subjects using the new tool. Correlation between pre‐op BC thresholds and intra‐op ABR thresholds was statistically significant; however, one outlier was present. CONCLUSION: Intra‐op hearing threshold detection through ABR and direct stimulation of the VSB implant was reliable using this new tool. Despite some individual variability, first results correlate well with pre‐op BC and post‐op vibrogram thresholds.