Impact of superior semicircular canal dehiscence on cochlear implant audiologic outcomes.

PURPOSE: Determine whether adult cochlear implant users with radiographic superior semicircular canal dehiscence experience clinically significant differences in audiological outcomes when compared to cochlear implant users with normal temporal bone anatomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective, single institution review. Adult, post-lingual deaf patients implanted between 2010 and 2020. Inclusion criteria included age 18 years or older, available preoperative computed tomography imaging, and preoperative and postoperative AzBio audiological data for at least 6 months of cochlear implant use. Preoperative and postoperative AzBio Sentence Test scores were compared between patients with normal temporal bone anatomy and those with radiographic superior semicircular canal dehiscence or near dehiscence. RESULTS: 110 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean AzBio score for normal temporal bone anatomy group improved from 35.2 % (SD 28.2) preoperatively to 70.3 % (SD 25.7) postoperatively, an improvement of 35.1 % (SD 28.6). Mean AzBio score for near dehiscent temporal bone anatomy group improved from 26.6 % (SD 28.9) preoperatively to 64.5 % (SD 30.6) postoperatively, an improvement of 37.9 % (SD 27.9). Mean AzBio score for dehiscent temporal bone anatomy group improved from 26.3 % (SD 20.4) preoperatively to 65.1 % (SD 27.6) postoperatively, an improvement of 38.7 % (SD 26.9). Utilizing the one-way analysis of variance test, there was no significant difference in audiologic outcomes between the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with complete or near complete radiographic superior canal dehiscence at the time of cochlear implantation achieve similar improvements in speech perception scores compared to normal anatomy adult cochlear implant users.

Salvage Microsurgery Following Failed Primary Radiosurgery in Sporadic Vestibular Schwannoma.

Importance: Management of sporadic vestibular schwannoma with radiosurgery is becoming increasingly common globally; however, limited data currently characterize patient outcomes in the setting of microsurgical salvage for radiosurgical failure. Objective: To describe the clinical outcomes of salvage microsurgery following failed primary stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) among patients with sporadic vestibular schwannoma. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a cohort study of adults (≥18 years old) with sporadic vestibular schwannoma who underwent salvage microsurgery following failed primary SRS/FSRT in 7 vestibular schwannoma treatment centers across the US and Norway. Data collection was performed between July 2022 and January 2023, with data analysis performed between January and July 2023. Exposure: Salvage microsurgical tumor resection. Main Outcomes and Measures: Composite outcome of undergoing less than gross total resection (GTR) or experiencing long-term facial paresis. Results: Among 126 patients, the median (IQR) age at time of salvage microsurgery was 62 (53-70) years, 69 (55%) were female, and 113 of 117 (97%) had tumors that extended into the cerebellopontine angle at time of salvage. Of 125 patients, 96 (76%) underwent primary gamma knife SRS, while 24 (19%) underwent linear accelerator-based SRS; the remaining patients underwent FSRT using other modalities. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak was seen in 15 of 126 patients (12%), hydrocephalus in 8 (6%), symptomatic stroke in 7 (6%), and meningitis in 2 (2%). Each 1-mm increase in cerebellopontine angle tumor size was associated with a 13% increased likelihood of foregoing GTR (64 of 102 patients [63%]) or long-term postoperative House-Brackmann grade higher than I (48 of 102 patients [47%]) (odds ratio, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.04-1.23). Following salvage microsurgery, tumor growth-free survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 97% (95% CI, 94%-100%), 93% (95% CI, 87%-99%), and 91% (95% CI, 84%-98%), respectively. Conclusions: In this cohort study, more than half of patients who received salvage microsurgery following primary SRS/FSRT underwent less than GTR or experienced some degree of facial paresis long term. These data suggest that the cumulative risk of developing facial paresis following primary SRS/FSRT by the end of the patient's journey with treatment approximates 2.5% to 7.5% when using published primary SRS/FSRT long-term tumor control rates.

Educational Benefit of the Three-Dimensional Exoscope Versus Operating Microscope in Otologic Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare observation of otologic surgery using a traditional operating microscope (OM) and a three-dimensional exoscope. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized, noncontrolled study. SETTING: Tertiary care center. METHODS: Senior medical students and otolaryngology trainees observing otologic surgery performed with OM and exoscope were asked to complete a questionnaire comparing the two experiences. The key variables were image clarity, depth perception, observer's level of motion sickness during the surgery, the participant's understanding of middle ear anatomy, and their overall preference between OM and exoscope. RESULTS: Twenty-two observers participated in the study. Subjective clarity of the image was significantly better with the exoscope compared with the OM (9.7 ± 0.6 versus 6.9 ± 1.7, p = 0.0004) as well as the depth perception (9.25 ± 0.87 versus 5 ± 2.69, p = 0.0007). Observers subjectively had an improved understanding of middle ear anatomy after observing an exoscopic surgery, but not a microscopic surgery. All but one observer preferred the exoscope. CONCLUSION: The three-dimensional exoscope may be a valuable educational tool for teaching trainees otologic surgery. More objective studies are needed in the future to assess the degree of improvement.

Quantifying the effect of shoulder size on operation duration: an analysis of stapes surgery outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of body mass index on hearing outcomes, operative time and complication rates following stapes surgery. METHOD: This is a five-year retrospective review of 402 charts from a single tertiary otology referral centre from 2015 to 2020. RESULTS: When the patient's shoulder was adjacent to the surgeon's dominant hand, the average operative time of 40 minutes increased to 70 minutes because of a significant positive association between higher body mass index and longer operative times (normal body mass index group (<25 kg/m2) r = 0.273, p = 0.032; overweight body mass index group (25-30 kg/m2) r = 0.265, p = 0.019). Operative times were not significantly longer upon comparison of low and high body mass index groups without stratification by laterality (54.9 ± 19.6 minutes vs 57.8 ± 19.2 minutes, p = 0.127). CONCLUSION: There is a clinically significant relationship between body mass index and operating times. This may be due to access limitations imposed by shoulder size.

Rurality Effect on Michigan Newborn Hearing Screening.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the effect of rurality on newborn hearing screen outcomes in Michigan. METHODS: Patients in the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Newborn Hearing Screening database that failed or did not receive their initial screen from 2015 to 2020 were evaluated. Using the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural-Urban Continuum Codes (RUCC), patients were assigned a 1-9 code based on the population of their zip code, with 1 being the most urban and 9 being the most rural and outcomes between these patients were compared. RESULTS: There were 34,928 patients initially identified. Patients that had follow-up testing after a failed NBHS had a slightly higher RUCC than those that did not follow-up, 2.3 versus 2.2, respectively (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference between those that refused screening, with a mean RUCC of 4.2, and those that had a failed initial screen having a mean RUCC of 2.1 (p < 0.001). Similarly, those with equipment failure had a higher mean RUCC, 2.8, compared to those that had screening completed (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: More rural areas are more likely to refuse a newborn hearing screen as well as have equipment failure options. There was no difference in rurality scores of those that had a follow-up screen after a failure and those that did not. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV Laryngoscope, 134:2937-2940, 2024.

Exoscope-Assisted Stapedotomy: Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the safety and efficacy of exoscope-assisted stapedotomy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary care neurotology clinic. PATIENTS: Adult patients with otosclerosis undergoing stapedotomy. INTERVENTIONS: Primary stapedotomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Evaluation of audiologic outcomes, including pure-tone average, bone-conduction thresholds, word recognition score, and air-bone gap. Complications, need for scutum removal, and length of surgery were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 47 patients were identified, and 24 patients underwent surgery with the microscope and 22 with the exoscope. There were significant improvements in pure-tone average, mean bone-conduction thresholds, and air-bone gap for both groups. There was no difference in preoperative or postoperative audiologic status for either group. There was no difference in rates of dysgeusia, chorda tympani nerve damage, dizziness, or facial paresis in either group. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates similar audiologic outcomes, complication profiles, and visualization when comparing exoscopic and microscopic stapedotomy. Demonstrated here, exoscopic stapedotomy can be safely performed in a transcanal manner.

Rationale for the Development of a Novel Clinical Grading Scale for Postoperative Facial Nerve Function: Results of a Multidisciplinary International Working Group.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the current study was to present the results of an international working group survey identifying perceived limitations of existing facial nerve grading scales to inform the development of a novel grading scale for assessing early postoperative facial paralysis that incorporates regional scoring and is anchored in recovery prognosis and risk of associated complications. STUDY DESIGN: Survey. SETTING: A working group of 48 multidisciplinary clinicians with expertise in skull base, cerebellopontine angle, temporal bone, or parotid gland surgery. RESULTS: House-Brackmann grade is the most widely used system to assess facial nerve function among working group members (81%), although more than half (54%) agreed that the system they currently use does not adequately estimate the risk of associated complications, such as corneal injury, and confidence in interrater and intrarater reliability is generally low. Simplicity was ranked as the most important attribute of a novel postoperative facial nerve grading system to increase the likelihood of adoption, followed by reliability and accuracy. There was widespread consensus (91%) that the eye is the most critical facial region to focus on in the early postoperative setting. CONCLUSIONS: Members were invited to submit proposed grading systems in alignment with the objectives of the working group for subsequent validation. From these data, we plan to develop a simple, clinically anchored, and reproducible staging system with regional scoring for assessing early postoperative facial nerve function after surgery of the skull base, cerebellopontine angle, temporal bone, or parotid gland.

Does labyrinthectomy have an impact on hearing in the contralateral ear during long-term follow-up?

OBJECTIVE: To quantify contralateral hearing outcomes after labyrinthectomy for unilateral Ménière's disease (MD). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Tertiary neurotology referral center. PATIENTS: Labyrinth removal for the management of MD or translabyrinthine (TLAB) acoustic neuroma resection between 2008 and 2012. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Long-term hearing changes via pure tone averages (PTA). RESULTS: Upon comparison of low-frequency PTA (250, 500, 1000 Hz), MD patients experienced a greater degree of hearing loss during the follow-up period when compared to the TLAB lab group (7.54 ± 2.11 dB vs 2.39 ± 1.10 dB, p = 0.035). This difference as attributable to 12 (28.6 %) MD patients experiencing a ≥30 dB increase in low-frequency PTA, whereas none (0.0 %) of the TLAB surpassed this threshold. CONCLUSIONS: At 10 years post-labyrinthectomy there is a heightened risk for MD patients to develop low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss. Clinicians should monitor for audiometric changes through regular testing in the decade following labyrinth removal.

Simultaneous Cochlear Implantation and Salvage Translabyrinthine Resection of Vestibular Schwannoma after Radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the novel use of simultaneous cochlear implantation (CI) during salvage translabyrinthine resection of vestibular schwannoma (VS) after failed stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). PATIENT: A 52-year-old woman presented with a medium-sized right VS. She experienced continued tumor growth despite previous SRS, resulting in medial extension beyond the internal auditory canal into the cerebellopontine angle. Associated symptoms included asymmetrical right moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss, poor word recognition, tinnitus, and dizziness. INTERVENTION: Simultaneous CI with translabyrinthine VS resection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: CI-aided pure-tone averages. RESULTS: After 4 months of device use, CI-aided speech audiometry revealed hearing thresholds in the normal range, with a four-tone pure-tone, average of 16.3 dB. Speech perception with consonant-nucleus-consonant testing in the CI-only condition was 46%, representing a 12% improvement compared with preoperatively. Tinnitus and dizziness burden were subjectively reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Despite challenges inherent to second procedures after radiotherapy failure, successful CI outcomes can be achieved. The current study demonstrates the feasibility of simultaneous CI during salvage VS resection after SRS. A larger study should be undertaken to further substantiate these preliminary findings.

Characterizing the most Popular Tinnitus Inquiries: Is Tinnitus Incidence on the Rise Since COVID-19?

OBJECTIVE: Approximately 50 million US adults experience chronic tinnitus, yet search behaviors and topics of concern to these patients have not been investigated on a national level. STUDY DESIGN: Observational. SETTING: Online database and tertiary otology clinic. PATIENTS: Nationwide and institutional samples. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: A search engine optimization tool was utilized to extract metadata on "People Also Ask" (PAA) questions pertaining to tinnitus. Website quality was assessed using JAMA benchmark criteria. Search volume trends were investigated along with institutional-level data on tinnitus incidence. RESULTS: Of the 500 PAA questions assessed, the majority (54.0%) contained value-type content. The most popular question categories pertained to tinnitus treatment (29.3%), alternative treatment approaches (21.5%), technical details (16.9%), and timeline of symptoms (13.4%). Patients were most interested in treatment with wearable masking devices and most commonly searched for tinnitus as being attributable to a neurologic etiology. Online searches pertaining to unilateral tinnitus symptoms have increased >3-fold since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Likewise, review of patient encounters at our tertiary otology clinic revealed a nearly 2-fold increase in tinnitus consultations since 2020. CONCLUSIONS: Topics of interest and concern identified herein may inform the development of patient education materials and help guide clinical practice. Online search data suggest an increase in tinnitus searches since the onset of COVID-19, which did correlate clinically with an increase in tinnitus consultations at our institution.

Retrosigmoid Approach for Sporadic Vestibular Schwannoma: Patient Selection, Technical Pearls, and Hearing Results.

The retrosigmoid corridor provides the most broadly applied approach for resection of sporadic vestibular schwannoma. It may be utilized for any size tumor and for patients with intact hearing with the intention of hearing preservation. For larger tumors, the skull base surgeon must weigh the benefits the retrosigmoid approach against those of the translabyrinthine route. For smaller tumors where hearing preservation is a goal, the retrosigmoid approach is contrasted to the middle fossa route. Hearing preservation is most likely for patients with small and medially located intracanalicular tumors with minimal extension into the cerebellopontine angle, and excellent preoperative hearing.

Twelve-Month Outcomes of Simultaneous Translabyrinthine Resection and Cochlear Implantation.

OBJECTIVE: Audiometric outcomes at 12 months following simultaneous translabyrinthine (TL) resection of vestibular schwannoma (VS) and cochlear implantation (CI). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. METHODS: Adult patients undergoing TL resection of sporadic, unilateral VS ≤ 2 cm were prospectively enrolled. Preoperative testing included binaural AZBio in noise and quiet and unilateral Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant (CNC). Tinnitus Handicap Index (THI) and Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing (SSQ) questionnaires were also completed. Patients underwent TL resection with simultaneous CI. The preoperative test battery was repeated at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after activation. Statistical analysis was performed to characterize short-term outcomes (preoperative to 3 months), longer-term outcomes (3-12 months), and overall changes during the preoperative to 12-month period. RESULTS: AZBio, CNC, and THI improved at 3 months with no significant changes thereafter and showed durable improvement at 12 months compared to preoperative testing. While SSQ did not improve at 12 months, a subset of patients showed either recovery or improvement of SSQ-spatial subscores. Patients with cerebellopontine angle tumors had poorer performance, although the impact of tumor size and location could not be deduced based on the small sample size. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing simultaneous CI and TL resection of VS had durable improvements in speech perception and tinnitus severity 12 months following surgery. Subjective improvements in localization were not observed. Additional studies are needed to determine which VS patients are optimal candidates for CI.

Endolymphatic sac decompression effect on secondary symptoms of Meniere's disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if endolymphatic sac decompression (ESD) significantly improves secondary symptoms of Meniere's disease including tinnitus and aural fullness. STUDY DESIGN: Survey study with retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary care center. METHODS: Survey of adult patients with Meniere's disease that underwent primary ESD surgery from 2015 to 2020. Subjective reporting of pre- and postoperative aural fullness and tinnitus based on postoperative survey. Survey results and audiologic data of the patients that reported were compared pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: Statistical analysis was performed using weighted kappa statistics to examine the level of agreement. There was a value of 0.12 for pre- and postoperative aural fullness, indicating a difference in the two groups with 77 % having improvement and only 4 % having worsening. There was a value of 0.21 for pre- and postoperative tinnitus, demonstrating a lack of agreement with 58 % having improvement and 4 % having worsening. Overall, there was significant improvement in both tinnitus and aural fullness postoperatively. There was no significant difference in word recognition score, speech reception threshold, or pure tone average between the pre- and postoperative group based on paired t-test. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant improvement in both aural fullness and tinnitus for patients undergoing ESD with no negative effect on audiologic status. ESD is a viable option for treatment of Meniere's disease with vertigo, aural fullness, and tinnitus relief. Future prospective studies are needed to further improve the evidence of ESD's effect on secondary symptoms of Meniere's disease.

Transcutaneous versus percutaneous bone-anchored hearing aids: A quality of life comparison.

PURPOSE: To determine whether patients have improved quality of life outcomes with percutaneous bone conduction implant (p-BCI) versus transcutaneous bone conduction implant (t-BCI). MATERIALS & METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients who have undergone placement of a BCI in the Ascension St John Providence Health System from 2013 to 2018. Patient satisfaction of t-BCI and p-BCI was measured using a questionnaire that incorporated the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) and BAHA, aesthetic, hygiene & use (BAHU) survey. Key outcome variables were separated into 2 categories: (1) evaluation of wound healing and implant-associated complications, and (2) quality of life improvements. RESULTS: Comparative analysis of the 27 p-BCI patients and 10 t-BCI patients showed overall positive benefit with no statistically significant difference on quality of life improvement between the two groups. Total complication rates for p-BCI (48.1 %) vs t-BCI (10 %) was marginally significant (p = 0.056). Rate of revision for p-BCI versus t-BCI was 14.8 % vs 0 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study provides a much-needed comparative insight in patient's experience with these two devices. Understanding which device is preferable in the patient's view will offer helpful information for guiding proper implant selection.

Preoperative Evaluation of Otosclerosis: A National Survey of Otologists.

OBJECTIVE: Describe practice patterns in preoperative assessment for stapedectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Survey. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. SUBJECTS: Active members of the American Neurotologic Society and American Otologic Society. INTERVENTION: Survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percent of respondents performing preoperative testing with acoustic reflexes (ARs), electrocochleography, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, and computed tomography (CT). Further analysis of those not ordering routine CT to determine whether imaging would be ordered for previous ear surgery, vestibular complaints, childhood hearing loss, AR inconsistent with otosclerosis, possible advanced otosclerosis, or atypical complaints, including autophony. Further subgroup analysis based on years in practice and practice setting (private versus academic). RESULTS: Most respondents (56.5%) had practiced more than 15 years and worked in academic settings (69.4%). Rates of routine use of preoperative AR, vestibular evoked myogenic potential, and electrocochleography were 80, 4.7, and 0%, respectively. There were no significant differences based on time in practice or practice settings. For CT, 35.3% reported routine use with a statistically significant difference between academic and private practice respondents (42.4% versus 19.2%, p = 0.040). For CT contingent on specific clinical factors, only AR inconsistent with otosclerosis showed a statistically significant difference between academic and private practice providers (85.3% versus 57.1%, p = 0.020). CONCLUSION: Most otologists routinely obtain AR before stapedectomy. Academic providers more commonly order CT routinely and for AR inconsistent with otosclerosis. Most respondents not ordering routine CT ordered imaging in specific clinical scenarios. Overall, there is a high level of consistency in preoperative testing regardless of practice setting or time in practice.

Progression of Hearing Loss in Observed Non-Growing Vestibular Schwannoma.

OBJECTIVE: To assess hearing outcomes in observed vestibular schwannoma (VS) with focus on non-growing tumors. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Two tertiary neurotology centers. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Patients with sporadic VS undergoing at least 3 years' observation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in pure tone averages (PTA) and word recognition scores (WRS) normalized to the contralateral ear. RESULTS: During the study period, 39 of 105 included patients (37.1%) had tumor growth. Patients with tumor growth had a mean normalized increase in PTA of 8.0 dB HL ( p = 0.008) corresponding to a normalized average worsening of their PTA of 1.8 dB per year. Patients with non-growing tumors less than 5 mm in maximal dimension did not have significant ongoing normalized hearing loss ( p > 0.05). Patients with non-growing tumors more than or equal to 5 mm had a mean normalized increase in PTA of 7.4 dB HL ( p = 0.001) corresponding to an average of 2.0 dB HL per year, which was similar to the loss observed in growing tumors regardless of size ( p > 0.05). Normalized decline in PTA of at least 5 dB HL was seen in 72% of patients with growing tumors, 53% of patients with nongrowing tumors more than or equal to 5 mm, and 38% of patients with non-growing tumors less than 5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: A long-term analysis of hearing outcomes in observed vestibular schwannoma is presented. With observation, VS more than or equal to 5 mm is associated with continued hearing loss even without tumor growth, while non-growing tumors less than 5 mm are not associated with continuing hearing loss. These data inform expectations for observed VS for providers and patients.

Audiologic comparison of classification systems of advanced otosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify which patients with advanced otosclerosis may have the greatest audiologic improvement with stapedotomy based on different classifications of advanced otosclerosis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Single tertiary neurotology center. METHODS: Patients were divided into different classifications of advanced otosclerosis based on either a bone conduction threshold of greater than 60 dB HL (Bone Conduction (BC) Group), a word recognition score of less than 70% (Word Recognition (WRS) Group), or pure tone average of greater than 85 dB HL (Pure Tone Average (PTA) Group). Audiologic outcomes and complication profiles were compared between these groups. RESULTS: Nineteen patients met criteria for one or more group. There were 18 patients in the PTA group, 11 in the BC group, and 12 in the WRS group. There was no significant difference in the pre- or postoperative audiologic status between the different groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with advanced otosclerosis have significant improvements in pure tone averages and air-bone gaps following stapedotomy regardless of the classification criteria used. Stapedotomy remains a reasonable primary intervention for the majority of patients with advanced otosclerosis.

Patient Sentiments Influencing Management Strategy for Single-sided Deafness.

OBJECTIVE: Assess opinions that influence treatment choice for single sided deafness (SSD). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary neurotology referral center. PATIENTS: Patients with SSD were recruited between December 2020 and February 2021. Included patients were self-selected by voluntary completion of the study questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA), and a questionnaire containing 25 areas of inquiry relevant to management strategy decision making. RESULTS: In comparison to the surgical management group, patients opting for nonsurgical amplification were significantly more concerned about device visibility (p = 0.005, 1.32 ±â€Š0.22 versus 2.67 ±â€Š0.37), undergoing surgery (p = 0.017, 1.64 ±â€Š0.23 versus 2.89 ±â€Š0.51), and the thought of harboring an implanted device (p = 0.003, 1.46 ±â€Š0.22 versus 2.82 ±â€Š0.35). Patients with a major hearing handicap (grade 2-4) placed significantly less emphasis on out-of-pocket costs (p = 0.049, 2.38 ±â€Š0.17 versus 2.94 ±â€Š0.21) and were less concerned about experiencing discomfort from the device (p = 0.033, 3.13 ±â€Š0.11 versus 3.56 ±â€Š0.16) or ease of device use (p = 0.040, 3.20 ±â€Š0.13 versus 3.63 ±â€Š0.13) when compared with the minor handicap group. CONCLUSIONS: Lingering concerns about device visibility, undergoing surgery, and harboring an implanted device underscore the need for thorough patient counseling during SSD device selection consultations. These efforts should aim to address esthetic and surgical risk concerns while emphasizing the potential for improvements in quality of life.