Assessment of TISA “Transcutaneous Implant Skin Anomalies” scale for cutaneous complications related to bone conduction hearing implants

Objective: To describe the use of the TISA (Transcutaneous Implant Skin Anomalies) scale by members of the Colombian Association of Otology (ACON) in the evaluation of patients using bone conduction implants. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was conducted among the members of the Colombian Association of Otology. A voluntary survey was performed, where participants evaluated images of patients with transcutaneous bone conduction implants exhibiting different skin conditions. Additionally, they provided their expert opinions on the scale's face validity. Results: 90 % (36/40) of the Colombian Association of Otology members participated in the survey, with 79.4 % (286/380) of correct answers when compared to the initial assessment made by the otologist who captured the pictures. Otologists unanimously agreed that it is easy to apply in follow-up consultations and 77.7 % believed that the scale covered all possible complications. Conclusion: The TISA scale is useful to classify skin complications in patients with transcutaneous bone conduction implants. Its application is both easy and quick, facilitating efficient comparisons in follow-ups or between different otologists.