Bone Anchored Hearing Aids
Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHAs) are for patients who have single sided deafness (SSD). Single sided deafness is when a person has lost all of their hearing in one ear, while their better hearing ear is normal or nearly normal. Patients with chronic middle ear conditions or congenital defects of the outer ear, who are prevented from wearing traditional hearing aids, can also benefit from this technology.
How it Works:
The BAHA consist of three components, two which are internal and one external. The internal components are the titanium fixture and the abutment, which is surgically implanted underneath the patient’s skin. The external component is the sound processor. The sound processor analyzes the sound, converts it into vibration and sends it to the cochlea via bone conduction. Next, the bone conducted signal is sent to the brain, which is perceived as sound. The bone conducted signal allow patients to hear auditory signals more clearly in their better hearing ear. The device can also be connected to a headband, which allow patients to try this technology in their own listening environments prior to committing to surgery.
Safe and Simple Procedure
The surgical procedure is safe and simple. The procedure involves surgically placing the titanium implant in the bone behind the ear. After the procedure, the implant is given time to bond with the surrounding bone tissue – a process known as osseointegration. Once the surgical site heals, the external processor can be attached to the implant and will be activated by the audiologist. Regular programming sessions will be scheduled periodically to ensure the patient is receiving maximum benefit with their BAHA. If you have any questions about BAHA technology, please contact our clinic to schedule an appointment.
We work exclusively with Cochlear® Corporation and Med- El® Products.