The bone anchored hearing aid (or BAHA) is a surgically implanted system for treating hearing loss. The system uses direct bone conduction, where sound is conducted through the bone rather than through the middle ear and has been used successfully since 1977. FDA approval in the United States came in 1996, allowing its use as treatment for conductive and mixed hearing loss.

BAHA hearing aids consist of three separate components. The implant, the external unit and a sound processor. All of these components work together so that the sound can be transmitted bypassing the middle and outer ear.

The implant consists of a tiny titanium piece, which is put in place through a surgical procedure. It integrates with the natural skull bone over time. The sound processor transmits sound vibrations through the external abutment that sends the vibrations through to the bone. The vibration of the skull and inner ear stimulate the nerve fibers in the inner ear, allowing hearing.

Who can use the BAHA?

The BAHA is a good solution for people with hearing loss caused by chronic ear infection or congenital defects of the middle ear. This is because the device bypasses the outer and middle ear. The inner ear must be working properly for this device to work. Even if you suffer from regular ear infections, the BAHA, unlike other types of hearing aids, does not make the condition any worse.

Bone anchored hearing aids are fantastic for people who do not feel comfortable wearing conventional hearing aids. The BAHA also overcomes problems caused by amplification and feedback issues.

Is the BAHA helpful for people with deafness in a single ear?

One of the best things about the BAHA is that it is useful for people suffering from deafness in a single ear. Before the BAHA was available, there was no satisfactory treatment for single ear deafness. The BAHA works by transmitting sound from the deaf ear to the normal ear to enable hearing in both ears.

What are the best features of the BAHA?

No other type of hearing aid can adequately address the specific needs of those with outer and middle ear problems as well as deafness in one ear. The bone anchored hearing aid is much more comfortable than most types of hearing aid. Once it is properly implanted, the BAHA is unobtrusive and often undetectable. The BAHA can't slip or loosen, as other normal hearing aids tend to do from time to time. There is nothing to re-fit. Once implanted it is ready.