BAHA (Bone Anchored Hearing Aids)

There are three main aspects of the BAHA or Bone Anchored Hearing Aids i.e. a titanium implant, a sound processor and an external connecting component. All through a hearing aid fitting process, that on an average takes less than one hour, a tiny titanium implant – usually only 3 or 4 millimeters – is positioned into the bone at the rear of the ear. In due course, it amalgamates naturally with the bone. A minuscule abutment is then placed in and extended all the way through the skin. A detachable microphone and sound processor is then attached to this abutment. A number of Bone Anchored Hearing Aids are now incorporating magnetic links among the processor and implant, like a cochlear implant. Once this process is done, the BAHA make use of the inner bone vibration making a natural communication passage in the inner ear for sound to pass through. Contrasting the conventional hearing aid functionality of sending audio signal through ear canal and middle ear, this type of hearing aid sends vibrations through its sound processor via electromagnetic coupling base (abutment) to the implant. Sequentially, the implant vibrates the adjacent bone, which further sends sound waves in the inner ear that signals the hair cells and acoustic nerve. The major advantage of Bone Anchored Hearing Aids is that they avoid the outer and middle ear structures and is the only alternative for those who have outer or middle ear deformities, hypersensitivity or persistent ear infections. The device position does not harm the inner ear, so it can be detached if required devoid of causing any harm to the patient’s existing hearing capabilities.