# A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of the Sentio Bone Conduction Hearing Implant System in the Australian Healthcare Setting

## TL;DR

The Sentio bone conduction hearing implant is found to be a cost-effective option in Australia compared to other similar systems.

## Contribution

The study provides a novel cost-effectiveness analysis of the Sentio system in the Australian healthcare context.

## Key findings

- Sentio had lower costs and a small QALY gain compared to Osia in the base case.
- Sentio remained cost-effective relative to Ponto and Baha Attract systems.
- Over 95% of simulations showed Sentio's cost-effectiveness despite varying assumptions.

## Abstract

Bone conduction hearing implant systems (BCHIs) are established treatments for patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss or single-sided deafness when conventional hearing aids are unsuitable. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of the active transcutaneous system Sentio versus a similar system, i.e., Osia in an Australian setting. Scenario analyses also compared Sentio to other systems, i.e., Ponto and Baha Attract. A Markov cohort model was adapted from a previously published source to reflect Australian practice, incorporating device acquisition, surgery, maintenance, battery replacement and adverse event management over a 15-year horizon from a healthcare perspective. Effectiveness inputs were derived from published evidence using a naïve indirect comparison. Extensive sensitivity analyses and external validation tested robustness. In the base case, Sentio was associated with lower costs and a small modelled incremental quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gain versus Osia. Scenario analyses confirmed cost-effectiveness relative to Ponto and Baha Attract, with outcomes below the Australian willingness-to-pay threshold. Health state utility, device price and reimplantation assumptions were the most influential drivers, yet Sentio remained cost-effective in over 95% of simulations. These findings support Sentio as a clinically and economically efficient BCHI in Australia and highlight the need for direct utility and long-term durability data.