Impact of bone conduction hearing devices on health-related quality of life in chronic otitis media-related hearing loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of bone conduction hearing device (BCHD) in improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among the adults chronic otitis media (COM) patients with hearing loss. Method A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane Library for studies published between 1 Feb, 2015 to 15 February, 2025 that reported HRQoL outcomes in adult COM patients using BCHDs. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and, and results were synthesized with a random-effect model. Results Nine non-randomized studies ( n = 107) were included. BCHD significantly improved HRQoL (SMD = 35.50; 95% CI = 20.37–50.62, p < 0.001) with consistent audiological gains (pure tone audiometry improvements of 38–52 dB). Studies were rated as moderate to high quality. Conclusion BCHDs provide substantial positive effects on HRQoL for adults with COM-related hearing loss, representing an important public health intervention. Future research should employ larger controlled studies to strengthen the evidence base for policy and practice.