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

Värendh M., Haggren I, Lagerkvist H, Åberg Håkansson M, Hjelmgren J

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.

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Journal of Market Access & Health Policy, 2026;14(1):8
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jmahp14010008