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better coupling efficiency. Please see Supplementary Dig-
ital Content 2
(http://links.lww.com/MAO/A317) for full
statistical test results.
Figure 3 shows the relative coupling efficiency across
frequencies. It was found that the fascia coupling group
had a lower coupling efficiency across the frequencies as
reflected in their thresholds being to the left of the ‘‘best
fit’’ line.
Audiologic Testing
V
Speech in Quiet Outcomes
The improvement in monosyllable speech perception
from preoperative to postoperative testing was significant
(
p
G
0.001). An average unaided score of 32.7% (SD 35.35%)
was attained, compared to 90.8% (SD 5.53%) with the
VSB. See Figure 4.
Tinnitus Outcomes
Tinnitus levels decreased for the three subjects (Subjects
2, 4, and 11) experiencing tinnitus pre-surgery. Subjects
4 and 11, with VSB use, experienced a decrease of their
tinnitus perception to a nonsignificant level according to the
clinical criteria (TRQ
e
17; Wilson et al. [18]) and their
percentage score had diminished by more than 40%. See
Figure 5 which demonstrates the pre- versus post-VSB
tinnitus perception results. The difference in TRQ scor-
ing between pre- and postoperative testing was significant
(
p
G
0.05).
DISCUSSION
This study hypothesized that coupling the FMT to
the ossicles would provide at least equivalent coupling
FIG. 4.
Speech perception scores. Monosyllabic word test
V
preoperative versus postoperative percent correct. Note: Mean values are
depicted as
black quadrants
; median values as
horizontal lines
.
Circles
and
asterisks
represent outliers.
FIG. 5.
Tinnitus perception scores as measured by the TRQ (Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire).
R. MARINO ET AL.
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