What is a Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (Baha)?

A Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (Baha) bypasses the outer and middle ear, conducting sound via the skull bones directly to the inner ear. Patients who have no ear canal (atresia), damaged or blocked outer or middle ear or experience single-sided deafness can benefit from bone-anchored hearing aids more than traditional air hearing aids. In some cases, a Baha is the only option available.

To place a Baha, a small titanium screw is surgically positioned behind the ear and approximately three months later, following integration into the bone, patients are fit with the sound processor. 

Both children and adults can give the device a trial run using a Testband version prior to deciding whether or not to proceed. The first step is to see the surgeon and audiologist to determine if the Baha is the treatment option for your hearing loss.