Are Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids Right for You?
If you are considering getting a bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) to improve your hearing, it’s essential to understand both the benefits and limitations of this type of hearing device. Here we will explore how BAHA works, its advantages, and potential challenges you may face when using it.
What Is a Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid?
BAHA is a type of hearing aid that is surgically implanted into the bone behind the ear. Unlike traditional hearing aids that amplify sound through the ear canal, a BAHA works by directly stimulating the inner ear through bone conduction.
Advantages of Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids
Bone-anchored hearing aids offer several benefits that make them an attractive option for individuals with hearing loss.
- Improved Sound Quality: BAHA bypasses any issues with the middle or outer ear, providing clearer and more natural sound quality.
- Better Comfort: Since BAHA devices do not block the ear canal, they often cause less discomfort and can reduce the risk of ear infections compared to traditional hearing aids.
- No Occlusion Effect: BAHA eliminates the occlusion effect, which is the sensation of your voice sounding unnatural or booming when wearing a hearing aid that blocks the ear canal.
- Suitable for Conductive Hearing Loss: BAHA is an excellent option for individuals with conductive hearing loss, as it transmits sound directly to the inner ear through bone conduction.
Limitations of Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids
While BAHA offers several advantages, there are also limitations and challenges that you may encounter when using this type of hearing aid.
- Surgical Procedure: Getting a BAHA requires surgery to implant a titanium screw into the bone behind your ear. While the procedure is generally safe, there are inherent risks associated with any surgical operation.
- Cost: Bone-anchored hearing aids can be expensive, and they may not be fully covered by insurance in all cases.
- Skin Irritation: Since the external part of the BAHA attaches to your head via a connector, some individuals may experience skin irritation or discomfort around the implant site.
- Sound Quality Issues: While BAHA offers improved sound quality for many users, some individuals may find that it does not provide the same level of clarity or amplification as traditional hearing aids for certain types of hearing loss.
Who Can Benefit from Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids?
Not everyone with hearing loss is a suitable candidate for BAHA. Understanding the specific conditions that bone-anchored hearing aids are designed to address can help you determine if this type of device is the right choice for you.
Candidates for Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids
- Individuals with Conductive Hearing Loss: BAHA is especially beneficial for individuals with conductive hearing loss, where sound cannot efficiently travel through the outer or middle ear to the inner ear.
- Single-Sided Deafness: If you have hearing loss in one ear and normal hearing in the other, a BAHA can help transmit sound from the impaired side to the healthy ear, improving overall hearing capabilities.
- Chronic Ear Infections: Individuals who are prone to chronic ear infections or cannot wear traditional hearing aids due to ear canal issues may find relief with a bone-anchored hearing aid.
Non-Candidates for Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids
- Severe to Profound Sensorineural Hearing Loss: BAHA may not provide enough amplification for individuals with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss, where damage occurs in the inner ear or auditory nerve.
- Unrealistic Expectations: It’s essential to have realistic expectations when considering a bone-anchored hearing aid. While BAHA can significantly improve your hearing, it may not restore your hearing to perfect condition.
How to Choose the Right Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid
Selecting the right bone-anchored hearing aid involves considering various factors, such as your hearing needs, lifestyle, and preferences. Here are some essential aspects to keep in mind when choosing a BAHA device.
Sound Processor Options
Selecting the right sound processor for your bone-anchored hearing aid is crucial to achieving optimal hearing performance. Some factors to consider when choosing a sound processor include:
- Wireless Connectivity: Look for a BAHA device that offers wireless connectivity to stream audio directly from your phone, TV, or other devices.
- Program Options: Choose a sound processor with multiple program settings to adapt to different listening environments, such as noisy restaurants, quiet meetings, or outdoor activities.
Implantable Options
When selecting a bone-anchored hearing aid, you will also need to choose between different implantable options, such as:
- Screw Direct Drive: This type of implant attaches a sound processor directly to the titanium screw fixed in your skull.
- Softband Option: If you are not a surgical candidate or want a less invasive option, some BAHA devices come with a softband that holds the sound processor in place without surgery.
- Magnetic System: Some bone-anchored hearing aids use a magnetic attachment system to hold the sound processor in place, providing a secure and comfortable fit.
Cosmetic Preferences
Considering the cosmetic aspects of your bone-anchored hearing aid is essential to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident wearing the device. Look for options that offer:
- Different Color Choices: Some BAHA devices come in a variety of colors to match your hair color or personal style.
- Slim Design: Opt for a slim and discreet sound processor if you prefer a more subtle look.
Lifestyle Considerations
Your lifestyle and daily activities will also influence your choice of bone-anchored hearing aid. Consider the following factors when selecting a BAHA device:
- Water Resistance: If you lead an active lifestyle or enjoy water-related activities, choose a bone-anchored hearing aid that is water-resistant or waterproof.
- Durability: Select a BAHA device that is durable and can withstand the rigors of daily wear.
Adapting to Life with a Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid
Adjusting to life with a bone-anchored hearing aid may take time as you get used to the new device and its functionalities. Here are some tips to help you adapt seamlessly to using a BAHA in your daily life.
Gradual Introduction
Start by wearing your bone-anchored hearing aid for short periods in quiet environments to get used to the sound quality and comfort. Gradually increase the wearing time and expose yourself to different listening situations to acclimate to the device.
Follow-Up Appointments
Regular follow-up appointments with your audiologist are essential to monitor your progress with the bone-anchored hearing aid. During these visits, you can discuss any challenges or concerns you may have and adjust the device settings as needed for optimal performance.
Communication Strategies
Practice different communication strategies to improve your listening skills and maximize the benefits of your bone-anchored hearing aid. This may involve using visual cues, asking for repeat or clarification, or using assistive listening devices in challenging listening environments.
Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance and care of your bone-anchored hearing aid are crucial to ensuring its longevity and performance. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning the device, changing batteries, and storing it when not in use to prevent damage or malfunction.
Conclusion
Bone-anchored hearing aids offer numerous benefits for individuals with specific types of hearing loss, providing improved sound quality, comfort, and functionality compared to traditional hearing aids. By understanding the advantages and limitations of BAHA devices, as well as considering essential factors when choosing and adapting to life with a bone-anchored hearing aid, you can make an informed decision about whether this type of device is right for you. Consult with your audiologist to discuss your hearing needs and explore the options available to help you hear better and improve your quality of life.