Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (Baha) – What You Need To Know

Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (Baha) – What You Need To Know
The bone anchored hearing aid (or Baha) is a surgically
implanted system for treating hearing loss. The system
uses direct bone conduction, where sound is conducted
through the bone rather than through the middle ear and has
been used successfully since 1977. FDA approval in the
United States came in 1996, allowing its use as treatment
for conductive and mixed hearing loss.

The Baha has three main parts. There is an implant, an
external abutment and a sound processor. These three parts
work together to enhance natural bone transmission and
provides a pathway for sound to enter the inner ear that
bypasses the external auditory canal and middle ear.

The implant consists of a tiny titanium piece, which is put
in place through a surgical procedure. It integrates with
the natural skull bone over time. The sound processor
transmits sound vibrations through the external abutment
that sends the vibrations through to the bone. The
vibration of the skull and inner ear stimulate the nerve
fibers in the inner ear, allowing hearing.

Who is a candidate for the Baha?
The Baha is a good solution for people who have suffered
hearing loss due to chronic ear infections or congenital
middle ear defects. The device bypasses the outer and
middle ear areas to get to the inner ear. As long as the
inner ear is intact and functions properly, the Baha can be
successfully used. Those who continue to suffer from ear
infections will find that the device does not aggravate the
situation as other types of hearing aid often do. People
who have congenital defects that prevented good hearing
will find excellent results when using the Baha.

The bone anchored hearing aid is also a good option for
those who have trouble adapting to the feel of a
traditional hearing aid. Not only does it alleviate
discomfort problems but it can also help relieve problems
related to feedback and amplification that are resolved
when using the Baha.

What about those with deafness in one ear?
One of the best things about the Baha is that it helps
those with a deaf ear. Prior to Baha, people with
unilateral deafness did not have many satisfactory options
for improved hearing. Recently, the Baha was cleared by
the FDA as a solution for unilateral deafness. The Baha
hearing aid is placed on the side of the deaf ear. It
transmits sounds from the deaf ear to the normal ear,
resulting in a sensation of hearing in the deaf ear.

What are the best features of the Baha?
No other type of hearing aid can adequately address the
specific needs of those with outer and middle ear problems
as well as deafness in one ear. The bone anchored hearing
aid is much more comfortable than most types of hearing
aid. Once it is properly implanted, the Baha is
unobtrusive and often undetectable. The Baha can’t
slip or loosen, as other normal hearing aids tend to do
from time to time. There is nothing to re-fit. Once
implanted it is ready.

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Only one out of five people who could benefit from a
hearing aid actually wears one. There are many types of
hearing aids to suit almost every type and degree of
hearing loss, and budget. Check out our hearing aids
comparison at http://www.abouthearingaid.com/art-baha