Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA)

The Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) is a device that is an option for those with both conductive hearing loss (a problem with sound conduction to the inner ear) and one-sided deafness. This device exploits the fact that stimulation of the skull itself directly stimulates the inner ear. Thus, the problems one has in conducting sound to the inner ear becomes moot. In those with one-sided deafness, a microphone placed on the bad ear acts to stimulate the inner ear on the good side.

The surgery is performed in an outpatient setting. Once performed, 3 months are necessary for healing to occur and the microphone is placed. A picture of this device can be seen at www.entific.com.