Evaluation of Brain Activation (NeuroSPECT) by Uni- and Bilateral Auditory Stimulation in Patients with Conductive Hearing Loss and Bilateral Bone Conduction Devices

JOURNAL TITLE: International Journal of Head and Neck Surgery

Author
1. Marcos V Goycoolea
2. Byanka Cagnacci
3. Jacqueline Cornejo
4. Sonia Neubauer
5. Raquel Levy
6. Catherine Catenacci
ISSN
0975-7899
DOI
10.5005/jp-journals-10001-1410
Volume
12
Issue
1
Publishing Year
2021
Pages
9
Author Affiliations
    1. Department of Otolaryngology, Clínica Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
    1. Clínica las Condes, Santiago, Chile
    1. Cochlear Implant Program Clínica Las Condes Santiago, Chile
    1. Nuclear Medicine, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
    1. Latin American Division, Cochlear Latin America, Panama
    1. Department of Otolaryngology, Clínica Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
  • Article keywords
    Adequate sound stimulation, Bilateral bone conduction devices, Bilateral conductive hearing loss, Binaural hearing, Early auditory stimulation, Language development, Real-life lateralization test, Sensory deprivation, Sound lateralization tests, Symmetric hearing, Timely stimulation

    Abstract

    Background: This prospective study evaluated sound localization and brain responses to monaural and binaural stimulation via bone conduction devices in 3 individuals with bilateral conductive hearing loss (1 acquired and 2 congenital). Aims and objectives: To determine the (1) Cortical areas that are activated with pure tones. (2) Potential benefits of bilateral devices. Materials and methods: A new audiological test is described (real-life lateralization test) and applied. NeuroSPECT studies were done using pure tones delivered via bone conduction devices (Baha Attract) stimulating monaurally and binaurally. The tests were performed 2–4 months after the placement of the second device. Results: The use of unilateral devices as well as bilateral devices under our testing conditions did not improve sound localization. There was improvement in lateralization with bilateral devices. In the three subjects, cortical activation with binaural auditory stimulation with the Baha Attract occurred in the same auditory areas compared with monaural stimulation. However, while in the individual with acquired loss, the degree of activation was less intense in binaural compared to monaural stimulation; in the congenital cases, binaural stimulation resulted in summation of stimuli. Conclusion: In congenital bilateral conductive hearing losses that have not been stimulated early, there are central auditory areas that are deprived. Even if these are only two cases, this is suggestive of the importance of bilateral early auditory stimulation in cases of congenital conductive hearing losses and supportive of the use of bilateral rather than unilateral devices.

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