Do bone conduction hearing devices improve quality of life for adults with chronic otitis media?
Chronic otitis media (COM) is a long-term middle ear infection that often causes hearing loss. For adults with COM, standard hearing aids may not be suitable due to ear drainage or infection risk. Bone conduction hearing devices (BCHDs) bypass the middle ear by sending sound vibrations through the skull directly to the inner ear. Research shows that BCHDs can improve hearing and quality of life in these patients.
What the research says
A 2025 systematic review of nine studies (107 patients) found that BCHDs significantly improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults with COM-related hearing loss, with a large effect size (SMD = 35.50, p < 0.001) and consistent audiological gains of 38–52 dB in pure tone audiometry 4. A 2022 study using an international registry reported a clinically relevant mean utility gain of 0.145 and improved speech, spatial, and qualities of hearing scores 12 months after bone conduction implantation 5. A 2024 study using the Chronic Otitis Media Benefit Inventory (COMBI) and Glasgow Health Status Inventory (GHSI) found significant improvements across all domains, including hearing, social function, ear symptoms, and reduced need for medical intervention 6. Notably, the COMBI score captured benefits beyond hearing, such as decreased ear discharge and fewer doctor visits 6. These findings are consistent with outcomes from cochlear implantation after subtotal petrosectomy for COM, which also showed comparable hearing and quality-of-life outcomes to standard implantation 3.
What to ask your doctor
- Am I a candidate for a bone conduction hearing device given my chronic otitis media and hearing loss?
- What are the expected improvements in hearing and quality of life based on my specific ear condition?
- How does a bone conduction device compare to other options like a hearing aid or surgery for my situation?
- What are the risks, such as infection or device extrusion, especially with my chronic ear disease?
- Will my insurance cover a bone conduction hearing device, and what follow-up care is needed?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about ENT (Otolaryngology) and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.