If you’re new to the world of hearing loss, hearing aids and implants, there can be a lot of new terminology and abbreviations to learn.
In this blog we’re exploring the similarities and differences between two different types of hearing aids – bone anchored hearing aids and cochlear implants, and asking the question, ‘Which is better – a BAHA or a cochlear implant?’
What Is a BAHA?
BAHA stands for bone-anchored hearing aid. You might also see it called a bone-conduction hearing aid (BCHA) or a bone anchored hearing device.
As its name suggests, a BAHA uses bone conduction to transmit sound. So rather than carrying vibrations through the outer ear and ear canal, like a traditional hearing aid would, a BAHA transmits them through the large skull bones. From here they travel directly to the inner ear where they can be converted into useful sound.
What Is a Cochlear Implant?
Like a BAHA, a cochlear implant bypasses the external and middle ear. However, it also bypasses the cochlea (or inner ear), sending signals directly to the auditory nerve where they’re translated into sound.
How Are They Similar?
Both BAHAs and cochlear implants are worn by deaf people and those with temporary or permanent hearing loss. They can be used to improve hearing and quality of life for deaf or hard of hearing people of all ages, including babies, children and adults.
Both types of hearing device bypass the outer and middle ear, i.e. the external ear and ear canal. This means they can be worn by people who wouldn’t benefit from or aren’t able to wear traditional hearing aids. For example, if someone has a missing or undeveloped ear or suffers from recurrent ear infections.
What Are the Differences Between a BAHA and a Cochlear Implant?
There are a few crucial differences between a bone anchored hearing aid and a cochlear implant.
As we’ve already said, a BAHA and a cochlear implant work in slightly different ways, with a BAHA transmitting sound to the inner ear, while a cochlear implant transmits sound to the auditory nerve.
There are other differences too. For example, bone conduction hearing devices are most often worn by people with mild to moderate hearing loss, whereas a cochlear implant is a more suitable option for those living with profound hearing loss.
In addition, the majority of people fitted with a cochlear implant will need therapy after the surgery to help them get used to their implant and make sense of the new sounds and sensations.
Another big difference between a BAHA and a cochlear implant is that while a cochlear implant is always surgically fitted (i.e. implanted), a bone anchored hearing aid can either be surgically implanted or worn externally on a BAHA headband.
Often, confusion arises when talking about BAHAs and cochlear implants because they’re both implantable hearing devices and the difference between the two isn’t clear.
Also, the matter gets complicated further because one of the makes of bone conduction hearing aid is called a ‘Cochlear BAHA’. Like all other types of BAHA, the Cochlear BAHA is a hearing system that uses bone conduction to improve hearing, and while it has the word ‘Cochlear’ in the name, it isn’t actually a cochlear implant!
Which Is Better?
When it comes to BAHA Vs Cochlear Implant, neither one of these hearing devices is better than the other, they just suit different types of hearing loss and individual needs.
BAHAs are generally better for improving hearing outcomes for people with conductive or mixed hearing loss, as this affects the middle ear. Whereas a cochlear implant is better for helping those experiencing sensorineural hearing loss, which affects the inner ear.
Neither a BAHA or a cochlear implant can cure or ‘fix’ hearing loss, and shouldn’t be expected to perfectly restore hearing, but both these types of hearing aid can massively help to improve hearing for many people.
BAHA Headbands and Accessories
If you’ve been wondering which is better – a BAHA or a Cochlear Implant, we hope this blog has helped!
For more useful information about hearing loss, deafness and different types of hearing aids, head on over to the BAHA Accessories blog where you’ll also find plenty of helpful tips for BAHA wearers.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll do our best to help. We’re also more than happy to talk you through any of our BAHA products to make sure they’re the right choice for you. You can contact us by email at sales@bahaaccessoriesuk.com or call 07432 620644.
We look forward to hearing from you!