title: A tutorial on implantable hearing amplification options for adults with unilateral microtia and atresia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Patients with unilateral atresia and microtia encounter problems in sound localization and speech understanding in noise. Although there are four implantable hearing devices available, there is little discussion and evidence on the application of these devices on patients with unilateral atresia and microtia problems.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This paper will review the details of these four implantable hearing devices for the treatment of unilateral atresia. They are percuteaneous osseointegrated bone anchored hearing aid, Vibrant Soundbridge middle ear implant, Bonebridge bone conduction system, and Carina fully implantable hearing device.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four implantable hearing devices were reviewed and compared. The clinical decision process that led to the recommendation of a device was illustrated by using a case study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The selection of appropriate implantable hearing devices should be based on various factors, including radiological findings and patient preferences, possible surgical complications, whether the device is Food and Drug Administration- (FDA-)/CE-approved, and the finances. To ensure the accurate evaluation of candidacy and outcomes, the evaluation methods should be adapted to suite the type of hearing device.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 6/F Clinical Science Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong ; The Institute of Human Communicative Research, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Joannie Ka Yin
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.affiliation: Division of Speech & Hearing Science, Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Lena Lai Nar
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 6/F Clinical Science Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong ; The Institute of Human Communicative Research, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Willis Sung Shan
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Tsang
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 6/F Clinical Science Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong ; The Institute of Human Communicative Research, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Michael Chi Fai
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Tong
mesh_terms: D065817:Congenital Microtia / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006310:Hearing Aids; D006801:Humans; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013017:Sound Localization; D053441:Suture Anchors; D014481:United States; D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple; D004424:Ear Canal / Q000002:abnormalities; D013628:Talus / Q000002:abnormalities