The IPS-scale: A new soft tissue assessment scale for percutaneous and transcutaneous implants for bone conduction devices

Percutaneous titanium implants for bone conduction devices (BCDs) have offered, since 1977, a solution for patients with hearing loss not treatable by conventional hearing aids, such as patients with chronic ear infections or microtia and/or ear canal atresia. Percutaneous implants imply a continuous breach in the mechanical defensive barrier of the skin. To compensate for this breach, immunological mechanisms in the subcutaneous tissue surrounding the implant become more active. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.