Home / Surgery / Ear Surgery

Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA)

The BAHA is a surgically implantable system for treatment of hearing loss that works through direct bone conduction. A titanium implant is placed above and behind the affected ear directly in the bone of the skull through a small incision. Osseo integration (the in-growth of bone) occurs over a period of three months, stabilizing and fixing the implant. After this a processor can be snapped on, allowing the patient to hear by direct transmission of sound through the bone to the inner ear.

The BAHA was first developed in 1977 and was approved by the FDA in 1996 as a treatment for conductive and mixed hearing losses in the United States. In 2002 the FDA approved its use for the treatment of unilateral sensorineural (nerve) hearing loss.

BAHA is used to help people who cannot wear conventional hearing aids either because of chronic ear infections, congenital external auditory canal atresia (incomplete development) and single-sided deafness. The system is also applicable to patients who have a break or fixation of the ossicles (bones of the middle ear), preventing the normal conduction of vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.

This system allows for sound to be conducted through the bone of the skull rather than through the middle ear; this process is known as direct bone conduction.

A complete physical examination as well as an audiological and surgical assessment is required in order to determine whether a patient is a satisfactory candidate for the BAHA. The audiologist will do two types of hearing tests to help decide if the BAHA will help. The first of these is known as pure tone audiometry, in which air and bone conduction are both assessed as well as the patient’s ability to understand speech when it is properly amplified. The second test that is required is a headband test. The patient will have the opportunity to try out a BAHA on a headband. The sound quality gotten from the headband is not as good as the BAHA would provide since the sound is muffled by having to pass through the soft tissues of the scalp. If a patient can hear reasonably well with the headband, there is an excellent likelihood that the BAHA will help them significantly.

What to Expect

Surgery for the implant is done in the hospital setting as an outpatient procedure. A U-shaped flap incision is made above and behind the right ear, and the implant is inserted directly into the bone of the skull.The implant is brought out through a small hole in the center of the U-shaped flap. A dressing is then placed directly over the flap, and a plastic cap is snapped onto the implant, securing the dressing in place. Prior to the surgery,the patient will be provided appropriate instructions regarding the care of the surgical site. The sutures are generally removed about ten days postoperatively. After three months the sound processor will be fitted directly to the implant, after which the patient will be able to hear by direct bone conduction. Care thereafter involves removing the sound processor from the abutment during sleep, showering and swimming, as with any other hearing aid. The patient also needs to be committed to proper cleaning around the abutment in order to ensure that this site remains healthy and free of infection.

If you have any questions concerning your comfort or care, please contact our office at (610) 879-0068.

Erin O. from Downingtown, PA

“I had stopped taking my allergy medicine and ended up with the worse sinus infection of my life. The staff at Ear, Nose & Throat Associates of Chester County genuinely will provide you with the best care. I was overwhelmed by the kindness, concern, and sense of urgency everyone gave. My phone calls were returned promptly and time was made to see me in the office when it was an emergency.”

Connie J. from West Chester, PA

“I can say after years of coming to Ear, Nose & Throat Associates of Chester County, my relationship and trust with Dr. Marriotti has grown tremendously. He is personable, friendly and I appreciate his input with my hearing condition. The staff at Ear, Nose & Throat Associates of Chester County is always cheery and pleasant. I enjoy my visits and always leave feeling like I am in good hands.”

Dauna P. from University Lincoln, PA

“I am so grateful for the care Dr. Picariello has given for my complex and serious brain diagnosis. He has made such an impression on the way the process was handled. I shall never forget him and how humble he was when dealing with my condition. He is truly one of the best around and I am fortunate for his high ethical standards and professionalism.”

Kathy S. from Schwenksvile, PA

“The knowledge, encouragement, concern, and individual attention the doctors of Ear, Nose & Throat Associates of Chester County had demonstrated was far beyond my expectations. The office atmosphere is professional yet friendly. The doctors know their profession well and are able to explain in basic understandable terms. They made sure we were comfortable and took their time going over everything extensively.”

James B., from Coatesville, PA

“The allergy shot process has been a great experience and has prevented a reoccurrence of my nasal polyps, and decreased the need for my asthma inhaler. The allergy staff is excellent.”