Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the audiological outcome of the fourth generation of Vibrant Soundbridge audioprocessors (SIGNIA).
Methods: In a retrospective chart review of 24 patients implanted with the Vibrant Soundbridge system, the functional gain, speech audiometry, and APHAB results of conventional hearing aids (HA), D- (D), and SIGNIA-audiopro-cessor fittings were compared.
Results: SIGNIA shows a statistically significant improvement in functional, particularly in the high-frequency range compared to D- and HA-data. The same holds true for the audiological outcome of speech-in-noise measurements. APHAB indicates a high level of patient satisfaction with the Sound-bridge (regardless of the audioprocessor) compared to HA.
Conclusions: The fourth generation of Symphonix Sound-bridge audioprocessors showed a marked improvement in hearing as evidenced by extensive testing.