Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA): How They Work and Who They Help
For individuals with certain types of hearing loss, traditional hearing aids might not be the best solution. That’s where Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA) come in—a specialised hearing solution that uses bone conduction to transmit sound. In this blog, we’ll explore what BAHAs are, how they work, who can benefit from them, and what the process of getting one involves.
What Are Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA)?
BAHAs are hearing devices designed for people with specific types of hearing loss who cannot benefit from traditional hearing aids. Unlike conventional hearing aids, which amplify sound through the ear canal, BAHAs use bone conduction to bypass the outer and middle ear. They deliver sound vibrations directly to the inner ear via the bones of the skull, allowing individuals to perceive sound more naturally.
A BAHA system typically consists of:
An External Sound Processor: This captures sound from the environment and converts it into vibrations.
An Implant or Soft Band: The implant is surgically placed into the bone behind the ear, or a soft band is used for non-surgical cases (e.g., for children).
Bone Conduction Pathway: Vibrations from the processor are sent through the bone to the cochlea, bypassing damaged parts of the ear.
How Do BAHAs Work?
The external sound processor picks up sound waves and converts them into vibrations.
These vibrations are transmitted to the skull via an implant or soft band.
The skull bone carries the vibrations directly to the cochlea (the inner ear), where they are processed as sound and sent to the brain.
By bypassing the damaged outer or middle ear, BAHAs provide a clearer, more direct route for sound to reach the inner ear, improving hearing in those with conductive or mixed hearing loss.
Who Can Benefit from Bone Anchored Hearing Aids?
BAHAs are designed for people with specific types of hearing loss, including:
Conductive Hearing Loss:
This occurs when sound cannot travel efficiently through the outer or middle ear, often due to conditions like chronic ear infections, ear canal blockages, or structural abnormalities. BAHAs bypass these issues by sending sound directly to the cochlea.
Mixed Hearing Loss:
For individuals with a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss (damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve), BAHAs can be an effective solution.
Single-Sided Deafness (SSD):
People with complete hearing loss in one ear can use a BAHA to transfer sound from the deaf side to the functioning cochlea on the other side. This improves spatial awareness and the ability to hear sounds from all directions.
Ear Canal Issues:
BAHAs are an excellent option for individuals who cannot wear traditional hearing aids due to conditions like chronic ear infections, severe eczema in the ear canal, or congenital abnormalities like microtia or atresia (where the ear canal is underdeveloped or absent).
Advantages of Bone Anchored Hearing Aids
Bypasses Problem Areas: BAHAs bypass the damaged outer or middle ear, providing a direct pathway to the cochlea.
Improved Sound Quality: Many users report clearer and more natural sound compared to traditional hearing aids.
Comfortable Option: For people who struggle with in-the-ear or behind-the-ear devices due to infections or irritation, BAHAs offer a more comfortable alternative.
Support for Single-Sided Deafness: BAHAs can dramatically improve the quality of life for individuals with SSD, restoring the ability to hear from all directions.
What Does the Process Involve?
If you’re a candidate for a Bone Anchored Hearing Aid, here’s what you can expect:
Assessment:
Usually via the NHS, an audiologist will conduct a full hearing evaluation and determine whether a BAHA is suitable for your specific type of hearing loss.
Trial Period:
Before committing to surgery, you may be able to trial a BAHA using a headband or soft band to experience how it works.
Surgical Implantation:
If you opt for a surgically implanted BAHA, a small titanium implant will be placed in the bone behind your ear. This procedure is typically straightforward and performed under local anesthesia.
Activation:
After the implant site has healed (usually 4-12 weeks), the external sound processor is fitted and programmed to meet your hearing needs.
Aftercare:
Regular follow-up appointments with your audiologist are essential to ensure your BAHA is working optimally and to address any adjustments needed.
Are There Non-Surgical Options?
For children or individuals who prefer not to undergo surgery, soft band BAHAs are a great option. These devices use an adjustable headband to hold the sound processor in place, allowing users to benefit from bone conduction without an implant. Soft band BAHAs are often used for young children until they are old enough for surgery.
Things to Consider
While BAHAs are an incredible innovation, they aren’t suitable for everyone. Factors to consider include:
Surgical Risks: Like any surgery, implantation carries a small risk of infection or complications.
Care and Maintenance: Regular cleaning of the implant site and proper care of the sound processor are essential for long-term success.
Conclusion
Bone Anchored Hearing Aids offer a unique and highly effective solution for individuals with specific types of hearing loss. By bypassing the damaged outer or middle ear, BAHAs deliver clearer sound and improve quality of life for those not able to wear a conventional hearing aid.
