Bone-Anchored Hearing Implant Loading at 3 Weeks

Abstract

The current study suggests that loading the implant and 6-mm abutment with the sound processor at 3 weeks is safe. The stability of the implant as measured by ISQ values had reached its baseline value within 3 weeks after implantation. The degree of stability was not affected by implant loading. Only mild skin reactions were observed incidentally. This study supports the use of early loading at 3 weeks as current practice in healthy adults with good bone quality; thus, these adults can benefit from the rehabilitation of their hearing at an earlier stage.