Bone Anchored Hearing Aid - FAQ

What is a bone anchored hearing aid?

A bone anchored hearing aid is an established, effective long-term solution for people with conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, and single-sided deafness (SSD).

The bone anchored hearing aid has three parts: a small titanium implant placed in the bone behind the ear, a sound processor that attaches to the implant, and a connection between the sound processor and implant (choice of magnet or abutment).

Who is a candidate for Baha Bone Conduction Implants?

Candidates for the bone anchored hearing aid have conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss or single-sided deafness (SSD). The individuals with conductive or mixed hearing loss have functioning cochleae. The hearing issue results from a middle ear issue that prevents sound transmission from the outer ear to the cochlea at the intended levels. Improving hearing in these cases is a matter of getting the sound to the cochlea.

A bone anchored device makes use of the individual's existing cochlear function. The bone anchored system stimulates the cochlea through vibration via bone conduction. These individuals have good speech discrimination ability once the sound gets to the cochlea.

How does the bone anchored hearing aid work?

While a hearing aid tries to push sound through the damaged area, a bone anchored hearing aid uses the beauty of bone conduction to send clear, crisp sound directly to your inner ear.

The sound processor captures sound in the air.

The sound processor turns the sound into vibrations and sends them through the abutment to the small implant.

The implant transmits the vibrations through the bone directly to your inner ear.

What benefits can you expect from the Baha Implant?

• Hear better, even in noisy situations
• Enjoy a clean, more natural sound
• Hear sounds as if they are coming form both sides
• Become more aware of your surroundings, increasing the ability to hear important sounds
• Engage in conversations more easily because you no longer need to keep turning to use your 'good' ear.

How much does the Baha Implant cost?

Unlike hearing aids, the Baha Implant may be covered by Medicare. They are also covered by many insurance plans and typically Medicaid.

Contact your Hearing Implant Specialist to determine if you are a candidate. They can help you determine coverage and estimate any out-of-pocket costs that may be your responsibility.

The cost of a Baha Implant will vary from person to person based on their specific health plan.