Bone Conduction Hearing Devices (BAHAs)

What are implantable hearing devices? 

For some individuals with hearing loss, hearing aids are not always the best solution. Implantable hearing devices are surgically implanted in the skull. There are two main types of implantable hearing devices: Cochlear Implants and Bone Conduction Hearing Devices.  

What is a bone conduction hearing device? 

A bone conduction hearing device, also called a “BAHA” (which stands for Bone Anchored Hearing Aid) is a device that is surgically implanted behind the ear. It is most often used to treat conductive hearing loss, which is a type of hearing loss caused by a problem with the outer or middle ear. A bone conduction hearing device vibrates to send sound to the cochlea, which is the organ encased in the skull bone that is responsible for hearing. Only a small portion of people with hearing loss are good candidates for a bone conduction hearing device.

How does a bone conduction hearing device work? 

A bone conduction hearing device picks ups sounds through the external processor. The processor then sends sound vibrations through the skin to the internal implant that is surgically placed in the skull bone. These vibrations are picked up by the inner ear, or cochlea, which then sends the sound to the brain to be processed.

Who is a good candidate for a bone conduction hearing device?

According to this article published in the International Journal of Health Sciences, bone conduction hearing devices may be an option for people who have the following types of hearing loss:

People with one deaf ear 
This condition is sometimes called “single sided deafness” or “unilateral hearing loss.” A bone conduction hearing device is not the only method available to treat single sided deafness, but it is one potential option.  

People with conductive hearing loss 
Conductive hearing loss caused by a problem with the outer ear or the middle ear. There are many middle ear conditions that cause conductive hearing loss. For example, someone who has had chronic ear infections may have hearing loss caused by damage to their eardrum or the bones in their middle ear. Another middle ear condition which may cause a conductive hearing loss is otosclerosis, an inherited disorder where the bones in the middle ear grow abnormally or become fused together.   
In some cases, medication or surgery can help to restore hearing for people with conductive hearing loss. However, not all conductive hearing loss can be resolved with medical intervention. To read more about the causes and types of conductive hearing loss, you can read this article article published by the American Speech Language Hearing Association.  

People who cannot wear traditional hearing aids 
Not everyone can successfully wear a traditional hearing aid. For example, someone with frequent ear infections who regularly has fluid draining out of their ears might not be able to wear a hearing aid inside their ear, or someone with an abnormal outer ear may not have an opening to their ear canal that a hearing aid can fit inside.   

There are 3 main types of bone conduction hearing devices:

What should I do if I think I might be a candidate for a bone conduction hearing device?

Talk to an audiologist
The first step to determine whether you may be a good candidate for a bone conduction hearing device is to get an updated hearing evaluation. Based on your results, your audiologist will discuss your treatment options (including hearing aids, surgical repair, or a bone conduction implant) and next steps.

Talk to an ENT physician 
Depending on the type of hearing loss you have, an ENT physician may suggest medication, surgery, a traditional hearing aid, or a bone conduction hearing device. Not everyone is a candidate for a bone conduction hearing device, and in some cases, you may need to trial a traditional hearing aid before moving forward with a bone conduction device.  

Next Steps 
If you, your audiologist, and your ENT physician decide to move forward with surgery for a bone conduction hearing device, you will need to prepare. Preparation typically includes an appointment with your audiologist to help determine what type of bone anchored device is best for you, and to educate you on what to expect once the device has been implanted. A bone conduction hearing device requires more care and maintenance compared to a regular hearing aid. You may also need to have additional medical testing (like blood work) done to check if you are in a healthy condition for surgery.  

What risks are associated with bone conduction hearing device implantation?

While bone conduction hearing devices have many advantages, there are risks associated with surgical bone conduction devices. According to the National Deaf Children’s Society, some potential risks include:  

• Risks associated with general anesthesia. Anyone undergoing the surgery will need to be placed under anesthesia for the procedure. 

• The implant may become infected or inflamed after the surgery. 

• It is possible for abnormal bone growth to occur near the site of surgery. In this case, the device may have to be removed and/or or replaced. 

• It is possible that the device may malfunction and need to be removed and/or replaced.