Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA)

This technology can be beneficial for people with certain types of hearing loss or those who are not suitable candidates for traditional hearing aids. A typical BAHA system comprises three components:

1. Titanium implant.
2. External connector.
3. Sound processor.

There are two primary types of bone conduction hearing systems:

1. Surgically implantable bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA): This is the most prevalent type, involving the placement of a small titanium implant behind the ear by a surgeon. Once healed, the external sound processor can be attached to restore hearing, and it can be removed as needed.
2. Nonsurgical bone conduction hearing aids (BCHA): Recommended for young children and individuals averse to surgery, these aids can attach directly to the skin with adhesive or to a headband for convenience.
   
   

Your otolaryngologist (ENT) and audiologist will assess your candidacy based on factors like age, medical history, hearing loss type, and personal preferences. Conditions like chronic ear infections, single-sided deafness, acoustic neuroma, and other ear-related issues may be treated using BAHA hearing aids.

Advantages of BAHA include improved comfort without ear canal insertion, optimal sound quality, and the ability to predict outcomes through a trial with a nonsurgical BCHA. However, BAHA surgery does carry potential risks such as inflammation, infection, and implant failure, although it is minimally invasive.

It’s important to differentiate BAHA from cochlear implants, which directly stimulate the auditory nerve bypassing the inner ear, typically beneficial for individuals with inner ear damage. To determine if you’re a candidate for a bone-anchored hearing aid, consult your healthcare provider for an evaluation and referral to an otolaryngologist.