152 Chapter 6 3.2 Impact of laser ablating the surface of wide diameter implant on clinical outcomes and application of RFA in paediatric patients with Down Syndrome Paediatric patients with Down syndrome comprised the largest cohort (27%) of paediatric patients implanted with the laser ablated Oticon implant. This prospective study analysed 31 consecutively implanted paediatric patients with Down syndrome. Fixture loss was found to be 4.6%, higher than in the same general implanted paediatric population (4.4%) adverse skin reactions were identified in 8 children 3.2%. Overall mean ISQ increased from 46.2 at loading to 56.7 at 12 months. Although statistical significance varies at each review point, when compared to the baseline statistical significance is seen from the 3- month review point. This study demonstrated a very low morbidity associated with the laser ablated implant system, and good clinical outcomes in children with Down Syndrome. Utilising RFA an implant outcome predictor could not be verified, and conclusions cannot be drawn based on individual ISQ values alone. Chapter 4 4.1 Audiological impact and quality of life analysis of a novel adhesive bone conductive hearing aid in children over the age of 5. Review of 22 consecutive patients with conductive hearing losses greater than or equal to 25 dB HL that were fitted with a novel adhesive bone conductor hearing aid. 21 children had unilateral, and 1 child (4.5%) had bilateral CHL. All children were provided a single ADHEAR device. Free field and PTA4 analysis show improvement with ADHEAR (26 dB HL) compared to the unaided (55 dB) and comparable results to softband devices (30dB HL). Quality of life analysis via LAS and GCBI showed improvement in all dimensions, with a preference demonstrated towards the adhesive device over soft band. This initial review of ADHEAR’s application provided evidence that this was a comparable alternative to softband devices and well-liked by patients. Its application was limited by the absence of a locking battery door and the variability in adhesive quality dependent on the patient’s skin. 4.2 Medium term follow up (9-54 months) of the application of adhesive bone conductive hearing aid in children over the age of 5 Review of 82 consecutively fitted children with a novel adhesive bone conductor hearing aid for a minimum of 9 months (SD 9-54). 60 children had unilateral CHL and 22 (26.8%) had bilateral CHL. All children were provided with one device except for 7 children (8.5%) who received bilateral devices. 88% of children continue to use the device indicating a high-level patient satisfaction. At total of 10 children no longer used the adhesive aid. 5 of these (6.1%) no longer used any hearing aids
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTk4NDMw