In this blog, we’ll explain what a BAHA implantable hearing device is, who it can help and the alternative options available.
How is a BAHA different to other hearing aids?
BAHA stands for Bone Anchored Hearing Aid. Traditional hearing aids transmit sound through the ear canal, however, bone-anchored hearing aids transmit sound through the bones of the skull. Rather than being inserted into the ear canal or held behind the ear like other types of hearing aid, a BAHA is attached to a soft band worn around the head or fixed to a metal implant that is inserted into the skull.
What’s the difference between a BAHA implant and a BAHA device?
There are three ways that a BAHA can be worn – two of these are surgical options and the third way is to wear a BAHA on a headband.
Getting a BAHA implantable device involves having an operation, during which a small implant is placed inside the mastoid bone of the skull. There are two types of surgical BAHA available – an abutment BAHA, where the implant comes through the skin of the scalp and can be attached to the sound processor and a BAHA attract, which is a magnetic device that sits completely under the skin and connects to the sound processor via a magnet. Each of these options has its advantages and disadvantages.
An abutment BAHA tends to have better hearing outcomes and allows the person to still have MRI scans if necessary but there can be complications at the site, such as skin irritation and infections. A BAHA attract tends to have fewer post-op issues as the skin is closed completely over the magnet but it can cause issues with MRI scans.
An alternative option to having a BAHA implanted through surgery is to use an external BAHA which is attached to a headband and worn on the mastoid bone (the large bone behind the ear.) Babies that can’t yet sit up can also wear their BAHA on their forehead to avoid feedback issues. The device vibrates in response to sounds entering through the microphone and these vibrations are then transmitted through
the bones of the skull to the cochlea where they can be converted to sound. If a specialist thinks a BAHA might be suitable for you or your child, an external BAHA will often be used as a trial to test whether or not you find it useful. BAHA headbands are also often worn by babies and children who aren’t yet old enough to undergo the surgery.
Both an implantable BAHA device and a BAHA headband work the same way – using bone conduction to transmit sound and improve hearing but one is implanted surgically and the other is worn externally.
Who can a BAHA help?
BAHAs are used by both children and adults. They’re particularly useful for certain types of hearing loss, such as one-sided hearing loss and chronic ear disease. A BAHA can also help people born with conditions such as Goldenhar Syndrome, Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS) and Microtia, which all affect the development of the ears.
For some, a BAHA headband offers a short-term solution while awaiting surgery to have a BAHA implantable device and for others, who aren’t able to have the implant or prefer not to, an external BAHA can be used long-term to improve hearing.
Get In Touch
We hope this blog has helped to answer the question, “What is a BAHA implantable hearing device?” Here at BAHA Accessories, we make custom BAHA headbands and hats and stock other BAHA accessories, such as safety lines, button connectors and anchors. If you have any questions at all please do get in touch and we’ll do our best to help. We’re also more than happy to advise you on any of our products and their functions to make sure they’re right for you. You can send us a message, give us a call on 07432 620644 or get in touch by email at sales@bahaaccessoriesuk.com.