Bone Anchored Hearing (Baha) Implants
Baha implants are a hearing implant offered to patients who either have complete nerve deafness on one side (single sided deafness – SSD) or a conduction deafness, where the sound is not being conducted to the nerve of hearing appropriately. Most patients are offered this device if they are unsuitable for conventional hearing aids, they have failed surgery or do not wish to have traditional ear surgery to correct their hearing (see figure 11).
Figure 11 – The Baha Hearing Implant bypassing a blockage in the conduction mechanism and sending sound directly to the nerve of hearing.
Assessment for this device includes a medical and hearing test evaluation. Once a candidate is considered suitable then they are offered a trial device, which is worn with a head band on the skull and the device programmed to the most appropriate acoustic environments. The client trials the device for a couple of days, and if happy with the hearing result then the implant can proceed. Usually, if the client is happy with the trial device, they will be very pleased with the final outcome.
Once a candidate has been approved for the Baha implant process then the day surgery procedure can be scheduled at North Shore Private. Your SANAMI Baha Implant Surgeon works closely with a specialist anaesthetist, Baha implant trained surgical scrub nurse and recovery staff to ensure the best possible outcome for the surgery.
Generally you will leave North Shore Private hospital that day, or the following morning. The head bandage is removed the next day. Once the wound is healed (in 6 to 8 weeks) then the Baha implant is connected and you can enjoy simply better hearing.
For more information on our Bone Anchored Hearing (Baha) Implant services offered through the Sydney Hearing Implant Centre, visit www.northsidehearing.com.au for simply better hearing.
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