Both an implantable BAHA device and a BAHA headband use bone conduction to transmit sound and improve hearing. The only difference is that one is implanted surgically and the other is worn externally.
BAHA headbands are worn by people of all ages, from tiny babies and children to adults. In this blog, we’ll answer the question, “Are BAHA headbands suitable for babies?” We’ll also take a closer look at what to expect if your little one will be wearing a BAHA softband.
What is the Difference Between a BAHA Implant and Headband?
BAHA stands for Bone Anchored Hearing Aid and a BAHA can be worn in three ways. Two of these are surgical options and the third way is to wear a BAHA on a headband. If your baby or child is too young for surgery or if surgery isn’t an option, then an external BAHA can be attached to a headband instead.
The BAHA processor sits on the mastoid bone and the device vibrates in response to sounds entering through the microphone. 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 your child then an external BAHA will often be used as a trial to test whether or not it helps in the first instance. BAHA headbands are also often worn by babies and children who aren’t yet old enough to undergo surgery.
What are the Pros of a BAHA Headband For Babies?
A BAHA headband or softband is a great way for your little one to try out a BAHA before undergoing surgery. If it proves to be useful then they can continue to wear their external BAHA on a headband until they are old enough to have the operation to surgically fit a BAHA implant.
For some babies or children, surgery may not be an option for various reasons or an older child may decide they don’t want the surgery. In which case, a BAHA headband means they can still experience an improvement in their hearing through the use of an external BAHA instead.
Helping Your Baby Get Used to Their New BAHA
Wearing a BAHA headband can take some getting used to no matter what your age but it can be particularly challenging for babies. Unlike older children who can have their BAHA explained to them, babies won’t understand why they are suddenly being expected to wear a headband. It may also take them time to adjust to being able to hear sounds that they couldn’t previously. It’s normal for babies and very young children to become a bit overwhelmed at first and this doesn’t mean that a BAHA won’t work for them in the long run, it just requires a bit of patience and adjustment.
When your baby first starts wearing a BAHA softband, it’s a good idea to build up gradually. You could start by putting their headband on for short periods when they are sat up and out and about in a pushchair or car seat as this means they’ll be distracted and less likely to wriggle or attempt to pull their BAHA off. You can then slowly build up the amount of time that your little one wears their BAHA until they are happy wearing it for longer periods.
Ensuring that your baby’s BAHA headband is comfortable and well-fitting is also key to making it a comfortable, pleasant experience for them. Although it’s recommended to wear a BAHA processor on the mastoid bone (the large bone behind the ear) babies that aren’t yet sitting up can also wear their BAHA on their forehead. This helps to avoid the unpleasant feedback issues that can be experienced if wearing a BAHA headband when lying down.
Get In Touch
If you’ve been told that your baby might benefit from a BAHA headband, we hope you’ve found this blog helpful. If you have any other questions about BAHA headbands or accessories, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll do our best to help.
We’d also be more than happy to talk you through our products and designs and their different functions to make sure that they’re the right choice for you. You can call us on 07432 620644, drop us an email at sales@bahaaccessoriesuk.com or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!