Bone Anchored Hearing Aids

Link Audiology provides counseling, support, and aftercare following the implantation of bone-anchored hearing aids in Washington.

Bone anchored hearing aids (BAHAs) are special hearing devices that use vibrations through the bone to help people hear. They are for people who have hearing loss because of issues with their outer or middle ear or who cannot use regular hearing aids.

BAHAs, also called bone conduction hearing systems or osseointegrated devices, are a new technology approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat certain types of hearing loss.

There are two types of bone conduction hearing systems: ones that require surgery and ones that do not.

Link Audiology provides help and care before and after getting bone anchored hearing aids in Washington.

Parts of a Bone Anchored Hearing Aid

A bone anchored hearing aid has three main parts:

A small metal piece placed in the skull bone behind the ear.
A connector that sticks out through the skin and attaches to the metal piece.
A sound processor that clips onto the connector.

How Do Bone Anchored Hearing Aids Work?

The sound processor picks up sounds and turns them into vibrations. These vibrations travel through the connector to the metal piece in the bone, which sends the sound to the inner ear.

Do I Need a Surgical or Non-Surgical System?

Whether you need a surgical or non-surgical system depends on your type of hearing loss and the shape of your ears and head.

Here are some points to think about:

Surgical Bone Conduction Hearing Systems:

For people with hearing loss in one ear, conductive or mixed hearing loss.
Suitable if your skull bone is healthy and can hold the implant.
Recommended if you have blockages in the ear canal or middle ear.

Non-Surgical Bone Conduction Hearing Systems:

For people with mild to moderate conductive hearing loss.
Suitable if your skull bone is not thick enough for surgery.
A good option if you want to try BAHAs but aren’t ready for surgery.

You should talk to an Audiologist or an ENT doctor to decide which option is best for you.

Link Audiology Bone Anchored Hearing Aids

Link Audiology offers the following bone anchored hearing aids:

These devices provide unique solutions for different types of hearing loss.

Ponto System from Oticon Medical

The Ponto System uses advanced bone conduction technology to deliver clear, natural sound. It is designed to improve hearing for people with conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, or single-sided deafness. The Ponto sound processor captures sound and sends vibrations through a small abutment attached to a titanium implant in the skull. This system offers both surgical and non-surgical options, giving you flexibility depending on your needs.

BONEBRIDGE from MED-EL

The BONEBRIDGE is a surgically implanted bone conduction hearing device. It is ideal for people with conductive or mixed hearing loss or single-sided deafness. The BONEBRIDGE is placed entirely under the skin, making it less visible and comfortable to wear. This device sends sound vibrations directly to the inner ear, providing clear sound quality.

Cochlear BAHA (Bone Anchored Hearing Aid)

The Cochlear BAHA, or Bone Anchored Hearing Aid, is a special hearing device for people who have trouble hearing because of issues with their outer or middle ear. Unlike regular hearing aids that make sounds louder through the ear canal, the BAHA sends sound directly to the inner ear through the bones in your head. This happens using a small device that is placed behind the ear with a simple surgery. The device picks up sounds, sends them through the bone, and reaches the inner ear.

BAHA is especially useful for people with different types of hearing loss, like conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, or hearing loss in one ear only. It helps make sounds clearer and easier to understand, even in noisy places. Many people find the BAHA comfortable because it doesn’t block the ear canal, making hearing feel more natural.

This device is a great option for people who can’t use regular hearing aids because of ear infections, ear shape problems, or other medical issues. The Cochlear BAHA can make a big difference in a person’s life by helping them hear better and stay connected to the world around them.

These bone anchored hearing aids offer different advantages depending on your type of hearing loss and personal preferences. Expert audiologists at Link Audiology will work with you to choose the best bone anchored hearing aid for your specific hearing needs.

Our expert Washington audiologists provide full support, from the initial assessment to fitting and aftercare, ensuring you get the most out of your new hearing device.

Who Can Benefit from BAHAs?

BAHAs are helpful for people with single-sided deafness, conductive, or mixed hearing loss. They are also good for people with ear problems who cannot use regular hearing aids.

BAHAs can help improve hearing, make speech easier to understand, and provide more comfort than regular hearing aids. However, not everyone is a good candidate for a BAHA, and there are risks with surgery.

Accessories for Bone Anchored Hearing Aids

There are different accessories that can work with BAHAs to make them even better. Some of these include:

Remote controls
FM systems
Phone clips
Smartphone apps

An audiologist can tell you which accessories will work with your hearing aid.

What is the Difference Between a Cochlear Implant and a Bone Anchored Hearing Aid?

Cochlear implants and bone anchored hearing aids are used for different types of hearing loss. Cochlear implants directly stimulate the hearing nerve and are usually for severe hearing loss. Bone anchored hearing aids are for conductive or mixed hearing loss or hearing loss in one ear.

Both devices help improve hearing, but they work in different ways. An audiologist can help you decide which one is right for your needs.