What is a Bone Conduction Hearing Device?
Bone Conduction Hearing Devices are an alternative hearing instrument for those who can benefit and when there is no other suitable aid. The device is implanted in the temporal bone behind the ear and fuses (osseointegrates) with human bone behind the ear to provide transmission of sound via direct bone conduction. With this device, the transmission of sound bypasses the outer and middle ear and is sent directly to the organ of hearing within the inner ear.
How does it work?
The Baha processor’s job is to convert sound waves from the surrounding air into vibrations. The vibrations are carried via the implant and the abutment to the bony portion of the skull and then directly to the healthy functioning inner ear(s), where they are converted into nerve impulses and carried on the auditory nerve (hearing nerve) to the brain.
Would I benefit from a Bone Conduction Hearing Device?
To benefit from this technology, a person needs sufficient hearing function in at least one inner ear. The specific type of sound processor is selected according to the needs of the user and the features desired.
The devices are FDA approved for treatment of conductive or mixed hearing loss and single sided deafness (SSD). The Baha is cleared for use in children over 5 years of age. However, the only way to know if a person is actually meeting the candidacy criteria is for them to have a thorough assessment by an audiologist and an otolaryngologist who fit the Baha.
Surgery to implant a bone conduction hearing device is generally safe, yet complications can occur.
Bone conduction hearing device surgery can be performed under general anesthesia in a hospital.
Call us to schedule a consultation to see if you are a candidate and to find out more about the procedure. Call 715-847-2021 or visit Cochlear.com
Curious about Bone Conduction Hearing Devices?
Schedule a consultation to find out if you are a candidate and to learn more about the procedure.