[Quality of life of patients with BAHA].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to quantify changes in quality of life due to the use of BAHA.


METHODS
Twenty-eight patients were included. The instrument used to quantify the change in quality of life was the Glasgow Benefit Inventory and a questionnaire including 2 open questions, BAHA use, change in tinnitus, and postoperative pain.


RESULTS
The average total benefit score with the Glasgow Benefit Inventory was 38, and the general, social, and physical score were 54, 10, and 1, respectively. There was no significant association between preoperative hearing, aetiology or type of hearing loss, and quality of life. Tinnitus rate went from 37.5% to 20.8% following BAHA; this difference being significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results show that the use of BAHA is associated with a great improvement in quality of life. Also, they show that its use has a positive effect upon tinnitus.
Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, España. isabelorl@hotmail.com
Isabel
I
Sánchez-Camón
Luis
L
Lassaletta
Alejandro
A
Castro
Javier
J
Gavilán
D003051:Cochlea / Q000473:pathology; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D053441:Suture Anchors; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery*