Best BAHA hearing aid. Do you know what a BAHA is? BAHA stands for bone anchored hearing aid or bone conduction hearing aid. If you have a mixed or conductive hearing loss, history of middle ear infections, active drainage, or mastoid cavity – this is a great option for amplification. An audiologist at a Neurotology practice will be able to advise you more specifically about your situation and the best BAHA hearing aid for you.
BAHA Hearing Aids
If you have mixed or conductive hearing loss, it’s possible to overcome your hearing loss with either a volume increase with traditional hearing aids or a bone conduction solution. Of these two options, bone conduction solutions will sound best and “cleanest” in terms of sound quality. Because the inner ear is still fully functional, enough volume allows the sound to get through to the inner ear. Bone conduction solutions are the most direct way to do this, by directly moving the bones of the skull and then subsequently stimulating the inner ear.
Also those with single-sided deafness (SSD) can benefit from a BAHA. This is because it sends the sound over the good ear. This way, it’s still possible to pick up sound heard from the bad ear side.
Hearing is important to our daily lives because of the connection to communication, quality of life, and even financial implications. Do you have hearing difficulty? Have you had a history of middle ear disease, ear infections, or atypical ear anatomy? A BAHA may be just the right solution for you.
Bone Anchored Hearing Aids – How the Process Works
A BAHA requires a surgical procedure. The surgeon will place a piece, which looks like a screw, into the bone behind your ear. Hearing is not immediately restored following this surgery. This piece will need a few weeks to integrate with the surrounding bone. After several weeks, an audiologist will fit the BAHA processor on the site and activate the device.
BAHA Hearing Aid Pros and Cons
Pros – BAHA hearing aid cost
For those with a mixed or conductive hearing loss, a BAHA is an ideal hearing solution. This provides good, clean sound quality and the benefit to hearing is far superior to a hearing aid for this type of hearing loss. The benefit of a BAHA can be life changing for those with significant mixed or conductive hearing loss. Another benefit is that BAHA is typically covered by insurance while a traditional hearing aid is typically not covered. There is an evaluation process, and it’s also important to consider all of your options.
Cons – disadvantages of bone-anchored hearing aid
However, there are other factors to consider. There is more involved with a BAHA than with a traditional hearing aid, including a surgery. It is important to keep the site clean to avoid infection. Additionally, it is important to attend follow up appointments and follow doctor’s instructions.
Another option for young children or those who cannot undergo surgery, is a BAHA hearing aid headband configuration. Rather than have the piece integrated into the bone, a headband will help the piece to stay in place. Though this is another option to use with a BAHA, the sound quality will not be quite as good as with a traditional bone-anchored hearing aid. This is because the skin will cause some of the high frequency sound to roll off.
Best BAHA Hearing Aid
Cochlear BAHA. This hearing device can really help restore hearing in individuals with mixed or conductive hearing loss who may otherwise benefit from traditional hearing aids. Cochlear has world-class customer service and fantastic accessory options that work seamlessly with the BAHA. Additionally, Cochlear’s app connectivity is a very nice option and works with iPhone as well as some compatible Android devices.
More Hearing Solutions
Looking for more hearing solutions? Try these. There are a variety of hearing solutions available. A BAHA is not the best option for everyone. Depending on your type of hearing loss and specific situation, another option may be more appropriate for you. Consult with an audiologist.
Do you want to know more about BAHA or hearing devices? Contact us here.
