Is Age a Limiting Factor for Audiological Results in Active Middle Ear Implants?

Active middle ear implants (AMEI) are implantable options for patients with sensorineural, conductive, or mixed hearing loss who are not good candidates for hearing aids. The aim of this study was to compare audiological, surgical, quality of life, and sound quality outcomes in adults <60 and ≥60 years receiving an AMEI. Twenty adult patients who underwent AMEI implantation were divided into two groups, <60 and ≥60 y. Preoperative tests included pure-tone average and speech discrimination score (SDS) at 65 dB for disyllabic words in quiet. Postoperative measures included AMEI-aided bone conduction threshold, free-field warble-tone threshold, and SDS at 65 dB for disyllabic words in quiet 12 months after the AMEI fitting. Subjective benefit was evaluated using the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ), Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), and Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI