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WHAT IS A BONE ANCHORED HEARING AID ("BAHA")

This is a special type of hearing aid recommended when the use of standard hearing aids is not possible or difficult.

It has several components. An internal component is fitted underneath the skin behind the ear. This called the 'flange fixture'. The second component is called an 'abutment' that sits on the outside but passes through the skin into the flange fixture.

The actual hearing aid clips on and off the abutment- and does not rest on the ear.

The BAHA is extremely comfortable to use (in most cases the wearer is unaware of its presence) and is cosmetically good.

Image of the BAHA hearing aid ("Compact" model ) . There are several types of aid in the range

BAHA implant behind the ear	Implant behind the ear
Implant behind the ear

WHO IS SUITABLE FOR A BONE ANCHORED HEARING AID?

This is suitable for adults and children. Those who may benefit include:

• Those who have bilateral "middle ear" hearing loss because of absence of the ear canals, because of congenital malformations of the middle ear.

• Those with persisting ear discharge or weeping from the ears secondary to chronic ear infection. This may prevent them from using a standard hearing aid. This may include people who have had mastoid surgery in the past.

• Adults and children who are deaf in one ear (unilateral deafness). The "BAHA" transfers the sound from the affected side into the normal hearing ear and is superior to all other types of aiding systems for unilateral loss. This may apply to those who have had a progressive loss of hearing in one ear, a traumatic injury to the ear, or following acoustic neuroma surgery.

Usually, for those with hearing loss in only one ear, I recommend a trial period with a BAHA aid, applied to the side of the head with a temporary elastic or metal headband.

In children, this may be combined with a period of observation listening in the classroom.

Children as young as 2 years of age may be suitable for having a bone anchored hearing aid and there is no upper age limit.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE USED TO INSERT A BONE ANCHORED HEARING AID?

This is done under a general anaesthetic in children, but in adults, local anaesthetic (ie you are awake) is an option. Two stages under general anaesthetic are required in children aged under 9 years. 

The small implant is inserted through the skin into the bony area behind the ear. This takes only 30 minutes or so to do and the discomfort afterwards is minimal. (In the past, a skin graft was required, but this is no longer necessary.) 

WHAT IS THE POST OPERATIVE CARE REQUIRED?

The abutment needs to be cleaned on a twice weekly basis with a small soft babies toothbrush. The hearing aid must be removed for showering and swimming. A small cover is available for the abutment, if desired, when the hearing aid is not being worn.

ARE THERE COMPLICATIONS OF A BONE ANCHORED HEARING AID?

In adults, the implants seem to last well indefinately, but there is a small risk of the implant not healing well or later becoming loose. Particularly in children, the implant site may become infected periodically. This is usually treatable with antibiotic creams and occasionally oral antibiotics. 20% of children in my clinic will eventually lose their original implant through infection or trauma (such as being hit by balls)

HOW DO I GO ABOUT GETTING A BONE ANCHORED HEARING AID?

For an individual consultation please contact my secretary to make an appointment .