Audiology Services

• Hearing
• Hearing Aids
• Implantable Hearing Aids

Implantable Hearing Aids

 

Cochlear BAHA® Bone Anchored Implant

The Baha System utilizes your body’s natural ability to conduct sound. Bone, like air, can conduct sound vibrations. For people with hearing loss, this provides another pathway to perceive sound. Typical hearing aids rely on air conduction and a functioning middle ear.

In cases where the middle ear function is blocked, damaged or occluded, the Baha system may be a better option as it bypasses the outer and middle ear altogether. Instead, sound is sent around the damaged or problematic area, naturally stimulating the cochlea through bone conduction.

Once the cochlea receives these sound vibrations, the organ ‘hears’ in the same manner as through air conduction; the sound is converted into neural signals and is transferred to the brain, allowing a Baha recipient to perceive sound.

     The Baha System
1. A sound processor picks up sound vibrations.

2. An abutment is attached to the sound processor and the implant. The abutment transfers the sound vibrations from the processor to the implant.

3. A small titanium implant is placed in the bone behind the ear where it fuses with the living bone. This process is called osseointegration. The implant transfers the sound vibrations to the functioning cochlea.

     The Baha Processor
The Baha Sound Processor snaps on to the abutment. The processor is small, discreet and is available in a variety of colors. The volume controls are conveniently located for easy adjustments.

 

The first system based on direct bone conduction. One reason the Baha system works so well is due to its simple design. The Baha system combines a sound processor with an abutment and a small titanium implant.

 

The implant is placed behind the non-functioning ear. Surgery is minor, and Baha recipients report a wide range of advantages over other hearing devices. After a period of approximately three months (six months for children) the implant will have osseointegrated with the bone.

 

The sound processor may now be attached to the abutment, enabling the recipient to hear with the Baha® system fully in place for the first time.

 

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