Are you considering getting a bone-anchored hearing aid but not sure if you are a good candidate for it? Find out more about the candidacy requirements for this type of hearing aid and whether it might be the right choice for you.
What Are Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids?
Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHAs) are a type of hearing aid that can help individuals with certain types of hearing loss. Unlike traditional hearing aids that amplify sound and transmit it through the ear canal, BAHAs work by transmitting sound vibrations directly to the inner ear through the skull bone. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with conductive hearing loss, single-sided deafness, or mixed hearing loss.
How Do Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids Work?
Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids consist of three main components: a small titanium implant that is surgically placed into the skull bone behind the ear, an external sound processor that picks up and processes sound, and an abutment that connects the implant to the sound processor. The implant vibrates in response to sound, and these vibrations are conducted through the skull bone to the inner ear, bypassing any problems in the outer or middle ear that may be causing hearing loss.
Candidacy Requirements for Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids
Not everyone with hearing loss is a good candidate for Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids. There are certain requirements and criteria that need to be met in order to determine if someone can benefit from this type of hearing aid. Below, we will discuss some of the candidacy requirements for BAHAs.
Type of Hearing Loss
Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids are most beneficial for individuals with conductive hearing loss, single-sided deafness, or mixed hearing loss. If you have sensorineural hearing loss (damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve), BAHAs may not be the best option for you. Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is unable to travel efficiently through the outer or middle ear, while single-sided deafness means one ear has little to no hearing ability. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.
Age
Age is an important factor when considering candidacy for Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids. While BAHAs can be suitable for both children and adults, children must typically be at least five years old before they can undergo the surgery to implant the device. It is important to consider the child’s physical and emotional maturity when determining if they are a good candidate for a Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid.
Ear Anatomy
The anatomy of your ears plays a significant role in determining your candidacy for a Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid. You will need to have a sufficient amount of bone behind your ear in order for the implant to be securely placed. Additionally, you should not have any ongoing ear infections or conditions that could complicate the surgical procedure or impact the effectiveness of the device.
Ability to Handle Surgery
Since the implant for a Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid needs to be surgically placed into the skull bone, candidates must be able to undergo the surgical procedure and heal properly afterward. It is important to discuss any medical conditions you have or medications you are taking with your healthcare provider to determine if surgery for a BAHA is a safe option for you.
Expectations and Commitment
Candidates for Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids must have realistic expectations about the device and be committed to using it regularly. While BAHAs can significantly improve hearing for many individuals, they are not a cure for hearing loss. It is important to understand the limitations of the device and be willing to follow up with your audiologist for adjustments and maintenance as needed.
Benefits of Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids
Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids offer several benefits for individuals with certain types of hearing loss. Understanding these benefits can help you determine if a BAHA might be the right choice for you.
Better Sound Quality
Because Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids bypass the outer or middle ear and transmit sound vibrations directly to the inner ear, they can provide clearer and more natural sound quality compared to traditional hearing aids. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with conductive hearing loss or single-sided deafness who may struggle to hear certain sounds or frequencies with a conventional hearing aid.
Improved Comfort
Many people find Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids to be more comfortable to wear than traditional hearing aids. Since the device is attached to an implant in the skull bone rather than sitting in the ear canal, there is less risk of discomfort or irritation from prolonged use. This can make wearing a BAHA more pleasant and convenient for individuals with hearing loss.
Greater Clarity in Noisy Environments
One of the challenges of hearing loss is difficulty hearing and understanding speech in noisy environments. Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids can help improve speech clarity in noisy situations by transmitting sound more directly to the inner ear, reducing the impact of background noise. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who struggle to follow conversations in crowded or loud settings.
No Occlusion Effect
Traditional hearing aids can sometimes cause an “occlusion effect,” where the wearer perceives their own voice as booming or echoing due to sound being trapped in the ear canal. Since Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids do not occlude the ear canal, they do not have this issue, making them a more comfortable and natural-feeling option for many individuals.
Waterproof Options Available
For individuals who lead active lifestyles or live in humid climates, Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids offer waterproof and sweat-resistant options that can withstand exposure to moisture without compromising performance. This can be particularly beneficial for swimmers, athletes, or individuals who spend a lot of time outdoors.
Risks and Considerations
While Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids offer many benefits, there are also some risks and considerations to take into account when deciding if this type of hearing aid is right for you. Below, we will discuss some of the potential drawbacks and factors to consider before getting a BAHA.
Surgical Risks
Since the titanium implant for a Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid needs to be surgically placed into the skull bone, there are risks associated with the surgical procedure. These risks can include infection, damage to nearby structures, or issues with wound healing. It is important to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider and weigh them against the potential benefits of the device.
Cost
Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids can be more expensive than traditional hearing aids, both in terms of the initial cost of the device and any ongoing maintenance or replacement expenses. While some insurance plans may cover part of the cost of a BAHA, it is important to consider the financial commitment involved in getting and maintaining the device.
Adjustment Period
Like any hearing aid, Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids may require an adjustment period for your brain to acclimate to the new way of hearing. You may need to work closely with your audiologist to fine-tune the settings on your BAHA and ensure that you are getting the best possible hearing experience. Being patient and committed to this adjustment period is important for the success of the device.
Device Maintenance
Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure optimal performance. You will need to regularly clean the external sound processor, change the batteries, and check the connection between the processor and the implant. Failure to properly maintain your BAHA can lead to issues with performance or comfort.
Consultation and Evaluation Process
If you are interested in getting a Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid, the first step is to schedule a consultation with an audiologist or hearing healthcare provider. During this consultation, you will undergo a thorough evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for a BAHA and to discuss your specific hearing needs and concerns.
Hearing Assessment
As part of the evaluation process, your audiologist will conduct a comprehensive hearing assessment to determine the type and degree of your hearing loss. This may involve various tests, including pure-tone audiometry, speech testing, and bone conduction testing. The results of these tests will help your audiologist determine if a Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid is the right solution for you.
Medical History Review
Your audiologist will also review your medical history to identify any conditions or factors that may impact your candidacy for a BAHA. This may include a history of ear infections, previous ear surgeries, allergies, medications, or other health concerns. Providing accurate and detailed information about your medical history is important for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the device.
Bone Density Scan
In some cases, your audiologist may recommend a bone density scan to assess the quality and quantity of bone in the area where the titanium implant will be placed. This scan can help determine if your bone structure is suitable for implantation and if any additional steps need to be taken to ensure a successful outcome.
Discussion of Expectations
During the consultation, it is important to have an open and honest discussion with your audiologist about your expectations, concerns, and lifestyle. You should discuss the challenges you face with your hearing, your goals for using a Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid, and any questions you may have about the device. Your audiologist can provide information and guidance to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids can be a life-changing solution for individuals with conductive hearing loss, single-sided deafness, or mixed hearing loss. By understanding the candidacy requirements, benefits, risks, and evaluation process for BAHAs, you can make an informed decision about whether this type of hearing aid is the right choice for you. If you have questions or concerns about Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids, schedule a consultation with a trusted audiologist to learn more and explore your options.