Cost-effectiveness of implantable middle ear hearing devices.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relation between cost and effectiveness of implantable middle ear hearing devices in patients with pure sensorineural hearing loss. DESIGN: Literature review. RESULTS: Four studies were identified that described the effect of middle ear implantation on quality of life in groups of at least 20 patients. Several different quality of life questionnaires were used. CONCLUSIONS: Our review demonstrated that middle ear implantation is a cost-effective health care intervention in patients with sensorineural hearing loss who suffered an additional therapy-resistant chronic external otitis