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Objectives: An active middle ear implant (AMEI) that facilitates sound transmission through a floating mass transducer affixed to the ossicles (OC), round window (RW), or other coupling locations (others) can be used to treat conductive and combined hearing loss. Up to now there exists limited information on audiological and coupling protocols to assess the performance of an AMEI. By offering data on coupling efficiencies and audiological results pertaining to the surgical placement of an AMEI of 22 patients with conductive or combined hearing loss we aim at contributing to bridge this gap.

Design: In a retrospective cohort study, we examined coupling efficiency, functional gain, and effective gain in 24 ears using an AMEI of the Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) type (MED-EL, Austria). We examined standardized audiometric tests and vibroplasty measurements at frequencies between 0.5 and 4 kHz (4PTA).

Results: Implant function of the VSB was ensured independent of the surgical placement with an overall coupling efficiency of 16.4 dB HL, functional gain of 28.0 dB HL and an effective gain of 1.25 dB HL being consistent with past literature.

Conclusion: This work emphasizes the VSB’s efficacy with various surgical placements, as evidenced by its good auditory performance.