Does anyone here use BAHA?

**Dixie** · 10-26-2011, 06:32 PM

I have never heard of this before today and I'm not actually going to do it, I'm just curious about the technology. It's like somewhere between a HA and CI, at least to me it is based on my super limited knowledge of it.

Anyone?

deafdyke · 10-26-2011, 07:07 PM

The only reason why it's so hyped is b/c of marketing. I remember before Coachler bought entific, the BAHA was an obscure little gizmo....now it's so popular that other HA companies are coming out with them.

**deafskeptic** · 10-26-2011, 07:14 PM

Bahas are kind of like cochlear implants expect it uses bone instead cohclear to conduct sounds. It's used for conductive/mixed hearing loss and unilateral sensorineural loss. I do not qualify for this implant because I do not have conductive hearing loss and I have bilateral sensorineural loss.

**Dixie** · 10-26-2011, 07:25 PM

My audie said I was a prime candidate for this but it's wickedly expensive. If I had insurance she said more than likely it would be covered. It's something to consider if the bi-cross HAs don't work well for me.

Down side is, if my hearing in my HOH ear declines, then what?

bbaseballboy123 · 10-26-2011, 07:53 PM

a kid from school just got one, i asked him hows he liking it and he said it was good. didnt talk much more, hes not very easy to socialize with lol

AlleyCat · 10-26-2011, 09:15 PM

I don't have one, but a close friend does. She LOVES it. She had hers done at the Mayo Hospital (because it's near where she lives). I don't recall whether she ever said it was outpatient or not. She keeps the "processor" snuggled in her bra

She had db loss to a point that no HA worked for her anymore, hence the BAHA. Sorry, that's all I can tell you ..

**Bottesini** · 10-26-2011, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dixie

My audie said I was a prime candidate for this but it's wickedly expensive. If I had insurance she said more than likely it would be covered. It's something to consider if the bi-cross HAs don't work well for me.

Down side is, if my hearing in my HOH ear declines, then what?

I don't think BAHA does any damages. So it doesn't matter at all if that ear declines.

**LDNanna** · 10-26-2011, 10:53 PM

In the past I did look into the possibility of a BAHA (bone anchored hearing aid). It was said that it could help me after the cholesteatoma was removed.

I did not like the surgery part back then. Yes, I am a big scaredy cat.

These items were cons to me.

1, a visible anchor (think of a small snap) that required daily cleansing around the site with a little toothbrush for babies.

2. they permanently remove hair follicles so that you have a permanent bald spot. The processor thing does look a bit odd, even the small ones.

3. a permanent titanium screw in my head. (I already have loose screws there - lol)

4. one month after the snap is fitted to your skull before you get the temp fitting off

5. another month before you can get your processor

6. the expense of replacing or repairing the processor every 3 to 5 years.

Well, that pretty much outweighed the pro.

1. I could maybe hear better... (pbbffflllltttt)

There is a new baha out these days. A magnet is implanted under your skin leaving no (snap - on) abbuttment. So you dont have to carefully brush around the site anymore. There is very little if any chance of infection. It is the Alpha 1 (M) hearing device. It is still a baha, just with magnets and not snaps.

Do I want it - eww no! But if someone was considering one it would be best to see what an Audi thought.

**Dixie** · 10-27-2011, 11:08 AM

The magnet one does sound like a better alternative. They say they don't put you completely under for the procedure, they use localized anesthesia. Sounds freaky to me. I can't imagine being conscious while some one is breaking my skull open for an anchor. Do they remove hair follicles for the magnet?

**Dixie** · 10-27-2011, 11:34 AM

I did some looking into the Sophono Alpha 1(M) and it seems it's competing rather well against Cochlear BAHA and Oticon Ponto Pro. It was cleared by the FDA in March of 2010 so it's still new. The downside to it is it hasn't yet been cleared for MRIs due to the magnet. The Sophono company said they are currently doing studies on that and should have a definite answer sometime next year. It's good to know there is an alternative to BAHA with an abutment. This could be interesting to see how this develops over the next couple of years.

melindajanet · 10-27-2011, 11:56 AM

Wait wait, can you take it off like a cochlear implant, or is it always sticking out of your head? Bone anchor....that term just makes me feel uncomfortable.

**Bottesini** · 10-27-2011, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melindajanet

Wait wait, can you take it off like a cochlear implant, or is it always sticking out of your head? Bone anchor....that term just makes me feel uncomfortable.

If you aren't going to get one, why? Is it an esthetic problem for you?

But the external part is just put on and taken off like any other aid.

melindajanet · 10-27-2011, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bottesini

If you aren't going to get one, why? Is it an esthetic problem for you?

But the external part is just put on and taken off like any other aid.

Not at all, I'm just genuinely curious! When I was looking up Cochlear clinics on their website I noticed that the locations were sorted by Cochlear and Baha, and when I asked my boyfriend what Baha was he didn't know either (he's deaf, I'm hearing).

**Bottesini** · 10-27-2011, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melindajanet

Not at all, I'm just genuinely curious! When I was looking up Cochlear clinics on their website I noticed that the locations were sorted by Cochlear and Baha, and when I asked my boyfriend what Baha was he didn't know either (he's deaf, I'm hearing).

Yes, but as you are a hearing person, it should not concern you.

melindajanet · 10-27-2011, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bottesini

Yes, but as you are a hearing person, it should not concern you.

That makes no sense. I can be curious about whatever I want

but thanks for your unnecessary and uninformative interjection! I'm sure there are plenty of deaf/hh people who are interested in how Baha works who would never get one -- should they not ask questions either? The OP, for example?

**Bottesini** · 10-27-2011, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melindajanet

Wait wait, can you take it off like a cochlear implant, or is it always sticking out of your head? Bone anchor....that term just makes me feel uncomfortable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by melindajanet

That makes no sense. I can be curious about whatever I want

but thanks for your unnecessary and uninformative interjection! I'm sure there are plenty of deaf/hh people who are interested in how Baha works who would never get one -- should they not ask questions either? The OP, for example?

Do you see what you wrote in the top quote.

Whether you as a hearing person are uncomfortable about a bone anchored device, is really immaterial.

You a be curious, fine, but I have a problem when you start making judgemental statements about something a deaf person might choose.

melindajanet · 10-27-2011, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bottesini

Do you see what you wrote in the top quote.

Whether you as a hearing person are uncomfortable about a bone anchored device, is really immaterial.

You a be curious, fine, but I have a problem when you start making judgemental statements about something a deaf person might choose.

You misinterpreted what I meant and jumped to conclusions. The term "bone anchor" makes me feel uncomfortable in the same way the term "knee joint replacement" makes me feel uncomfortable. That is, because it's done via a medical procedure involving bone. I realize that cochlear implant surgery does as well, as does brain surgery etc. etc. It had nothing to do with "making judgmental statements about something a deaf person might choose". In fact, the only one making judgments here seems to be you.

SkullChick · 10-27-2011, 02:13 PM

Wirelessly posted

I dont think its worth it unless you have atresia or ear canal/structure abnormality, test Bi-Cros hearing aid with trial period

faire_jour · 10-27-2011, 02:28 PM

Wirelessly posted

i think you use it (i know you can try it out) on a soft band, no surgery required.

LoveBlue · 10-27-2011, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faire_jour

Wirelessly posted

i think you use it (i know you can try it out) on a soft band, no surgery required.

I've heard they'll use the band to determine if the BAHA is something that will help. If you get the BAHA' then there is surgery.

Dixie, I think you should try the bi-cross for now.

**Dixie** · 10-27-2011, 03:39 PM

After thought and consideration, I have decided to fill out the paperwork for obtaining bi-Cros HAs as my Audi calls them. Even though the BAHA technology has been around since the late 70s I don't feel like it is developed enough. Plus it's ridiculously expensive and the fact that I do not have insurance. I have contacted my Audi to let her know I am interested in the bi-CROS HAs as she suggested. She has given me financial aid forms to fill out and send in the mail. Hopefully within a couple of months we will have an appointment for a fitting and adjustments. Bi-CROS HAs are from Starkey, I don't know much about them but people have said they are good. I just have to come up with $125 for a non-refundable deposit. The rest is pretty much hurry up and wait from what I understand.

cdmeggers · 10-27-2011, 04:46 PM

sounds like a good plan to me! Hope the bi-cros works out well for you when you do get them.

**LDNanna** · 10-27-2011, 08:03 PM

I am glad you made a decision that suits you.

I did not get bahas either.

SkullChick · 10-27-2011, 08:54 PM

Wirelessly posted

cant you get trial period?

posts from hell · 10-28-2011, 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbaseballboy123

a kid from school just got one, i asked him hows he liking it and he said it was good. didnt talk much more, hes not very easy to socialize with lol

I wonder why....

CrazyOne · 11-02-2011, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dixie

The magnet one does sound like a better alternative. They say they don't put you completely under for the procedure, they use localized anesthesia. Sounds freaky to me. I can't imagine being conscious while some one is breaking my skull open for an anchor. Do they remove hair follicles for the magnet?

No. It is implanted under the skin, similar to a CI. There is a "small" incision made and the device slipped under the skin. Then using some type of a bone screws (I suspect about 2mm in diameter) the device is "bolted" to the skull. There is no "breaking" involved. Bone screws are very common in all types of surgery. Then the incision is stitched shut and heals.

Think of this as a CI surgery without making a hole in your skull and a hole in your cochelea. I do not know how long the surgery takes, but I suspect 15 to 30 minutes.

The cochlear corp baha is "similar" in that a bone is placed in the skull. From wha I remember from sample BAHAs that I have seen it is about a 6mm bone screw. This bone screw then protrudes through the skin and anything protruding through the skin must be kept clean or infection can occur.

-C1

drphil · 11-06-2011, 07:53 AM

Isn't the most important consideration is- exactly what is one's condition? That is a question of fact. Bone conduction "problems" are not the same as sensorineural problems.

This from my experience in getting considered for a Cochlear Implant after I became bilateral DEAF in December 06.

Implanted Sunnybrook/Toronto A B Harmony activated Aug/07

LoveBlue · 11-06-2011, 10:50 AM

I believe the BAHA takes the sounds received by the deaf ear and "conducts" it to the hearing ear. I don't think it provides hearing to the deaf ear.
I could be wrong.

**Dixie** · 11-06-2011, 05:24 PM

That is correct LoveBlue. It conducts the sound to the hearing ear via bone conduction in the skull. It is attached to the skull not the cochlea.

debster592 · 11-27-2011, 03:24 PM

I was born complete deafness in my left ear and have had decreasing hearing in my right. I have had my BAHA for about 5 years now. In the past I was told that with my single sided deafness there was no options available. That all changed when I went to a new ENT 5 and half years ago. He had me try the BAHA in office, then gave me a loaner on a headband to borrow for a couple of days to see how it worked in my work environment (I work at a dialysis clinic). For the first time in my life I felt that I was really a part of the hearing world and not in that limbo that is between the deaf world and the hearies....At the time I got the BAHA I was covered by medicaid as a secondary insurance, my primary insurance, Health New England specifically excludes the BAHA. Now I really want to upgrade to the BAHA 3 (I have the Divino now) but it's $4000....and I just can't afford to at this time

looking into programs that may help financially to get this as my life is truly better with the BAHA than without it.

10-26-2011, 06:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
Dixie May I be found in Him Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 13,266	Does anyone here use BAHA? I have never heard of this before today and I'm not actually going to do it, I'm just curious about the technology. It's like somewhere between a HA and CI, at least to me it is based on my super limited knowledge of it. Anyone? __________________ Oh, you will. It is all a dream and since matter cannot be created nor destroyed, the dreams must be real in all their myriad forms. -Beowulf This Delicate Thing God Has Made *The world is measured in peasants; smaller than a unicorn but, bigger than a tidbit!*

10-26-2011, 07:14 PM	#3 (permalink)
deafskeptic Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 14,512	Bahas are kind of like cochlear implants expect it uses bone instead cohclear to conduct sounds. It's used for conductive/mixed hearing loss and unilateral sensorineural loss. I do not qualify for this implant because I do not have conductive hearing loss and I have bilateral sensorineural loss. __________________ Left ear implanted with Med-El on April 24 2007. Activated on May 9th. Upgraded to Opus 2 9/10/2010 Think Pink. FREE JILLIO!

10-26-2011, 07:25 PM	#4 (permalink)
Dixie May I be found in Him Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 13,266	My audie said I was a prime candidate for this but it's wickedly expensive. If I had insurance she said more than likely it would be covered. It's something to consider if the bi-cross HAs don't work well for me. Down side is, if my hearing in my HOH ear declines, then what? __________________ Oh, you will. It is all a dream and since matter cannot be created nor destroyed, the dreams must be real in all their myriad forms. -Beowulf This Delicate Thing God Has Made *The world is measured in peasants; smaller than a unicorn but, bigger than a tidbit!*

10-26-2011, 07:53 PM	#5 (permalink)
bbaseballboy123 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Connecticut, US Posts: 513	a kid from school just got one, i asked him hows he liking it and he said it was good. didnt talk much more, hes not very easy to socialize with lol __________________ Deaf and Smart. Business Major at RIT. Have Bi-lateral cochlear implants. But know ASL as well. Working on a new project that will benefit deaf peeps

10-26-2011, 10:53 PM	#8 (permalink)
LDNanna Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 2,688	In the past I did look into the possibility of a BAHA (bone anchored hearing aid). It was said that it could help me after the cholesteatoma was removed. I did not like the surgery part back then. Yes, I am a big scaredy cat. These items were cons to me. 1, a visible anchor (think of a small snap) that required daily cleansing around the site with a little toothbrush for babies. 2. they permanently remove hair follicles so that you have a permanent bald spot. The processor thing does look a bit odd, even the small ones. 3. a permanent titanium screw in my head. (I already have loose screws there - lol) 4. one month after the snap is fitted to your skull before you get the temp fitting off 5. another month before you can get your processor 6. the expense of replacing or repairing the processor every 3 to 5 years. Well, that pretty much outweighed the pro. 1. I could maybe hear better... (pbbffflllltttt) There is a new baha out these days. A magnet is implanted under your skin leaving no (snap - on) abbuttment. So you dont have to carefully brush around the site anymore. There is very little if any chance of infection. It is the Alpha 1 (M) hearing device. It is still a baha, just with magnets and not snaps. Do I want it - eww no! But if someone was considering one it would be best to see what an Audi thought. __________________ I have discovered that the word "diet" begins with d i e.

Today
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10-26-2011, 07:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
deafdyke Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Trebekistan Posts: 13,088	The only reason why it's so hyped is b/c of marketing. I remember before Coachler bought entific, the BAHA was an obscure little gizmo....now it's so popular that other HA companies are coming out with them.

10-26-2011, 09:15 PM	#6 (permalink)
AlleyCat Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In my time zone Posts: 10,811	I don't have one, but a close friend does. She LOVES it. She had hers done at the Mayo Hospital (because it's near where she lives). I don't recall whether she ever said it was outpatient or not. She keeps the "processor" snuggled in her bra She had db loss to a point that no HA worked for her anymore, hence the BAHA. Sorry, that's all I can tell you ..

10-27-2011, 11:08 AM	#9 (permalink)
Dixie May I be found in Him Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 13,266	The magnet one does sound like a better alternative. They say they don't put you completely under for the procedure, they use localized anesthesia. Sounds freaky to me. I can't imagine being conscious while some one is breaking my skull open for an anchor. Do they remove hair follicles for the magnet? __________________ Oh, you will. It is all a dream and since matter cannot be created nor destroyed, the dreams must be real in all their myriad forms. -Beowulf This Delicate Thing God Has Made *The world is measured in peasants; smaller than a unicorn but, bigger than a tidbit!*

10-27-2011, 11:34 AM	#10 (permalink)
Dixie May I be found in Him Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 13,266	I did some looking into the Sophono Alpha 1(M) and it seems it's competing rather well against Cochlear BAHA and Oticon Ponto Pro. It was cleared by the FDA in March of 2010 so it's still new. The downside to it is it hasn't yet been cleared for MRIs due to the magnet. The Sophono company said they are currently doing studies on that and should have a definite answer sometime next year. It's good to know there is an alternative to BAHA with an abutment. This could be interesting to see how this develops over the next couple of years. __________________ Oh, you will. It is all a dream and since matter cannot be created nor destroyed, the dreams must be real in all their myriad forms. -Beowulf This Delicate Thing God Has Made *The world is measured in peasants; smaller than a unicorn but, bigger than a tidbit!*

10-27-2011, 11:56 AM	#11 (permalink)
melindajanet Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 74	Wait wait, can you take it off like a cochlear implant, or is it always sticking out of your head? Bone anchor....that term just makes me feel uncomfortable.

10-27-2011, 02:13 PM	#18 (permalink)
SkullChick Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Middle Of Nowhere, Delaware Posts: 940	Wirelessly posted I dont think its worth it unless you have atresia or ear canal/structure abnormality, test Bi-Cros hearing aid with trial period deafdyke, jillio and Bottesini like this. __________________ [Left Ear] Implanted 1/15/08 with Nucleus Freedom! Activated 2/12/08 with Freedom BTE Link for my Cochlear Implant http://skullchick.blogspot.com Link for my Blog unrelated to cochlear Implant http://skullchickworld.blogspot.com

10-27-2011, 02:28 PM	#19 (permalink)
faire_jour Banned Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 7,202	Wirelessly posted i think you use it (i know you can try it out) on a soft band, no surgery required.

10-27-2011, 03:39 PM	#21 (permalink)
Dixie May I be found in Him Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 13,266	After thought and consideration, I have decided to fill out the paperwork for obtaining bi-Cros HAs as my Audi calls them. Even though the BAHA technology has been around since the late 70s I don't feel like it is developed enough. Plus it's ridiculously expensive and the fact that I do not have insurance. I have contacted my Audi to let her know I am interested in the bi-CROS HAs as she suggested. She has given me financial aid forms to fill out and send in the mail. Hopefully within a couple of months we will have an appointment for a fitting and adjustments. Bi-CROS HAs are from Starkey, I don't know much about them but people have said they are good. I just have to come up with $125 for a non-refundable deposit. The rest is pretty much hurry up and wait from what I understand. Bottesini, LDNanna, LoveBlue and 1 others like this. __________________ Oh, you will. It is all a dream and since matter cannot be created nor destroyed, the dreams must be real in all their myriad forms. -Beowulf This Delicate Thing God Has Made *The world is measured in peasants; smaller than a unicorn but, bigger than a tidbit!*

10-27-2011, 04:46 PM	#22 (permalink)
cdmeggers Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Wyoming Posts: 2,210	sounds like a good plan to me! Hope the bi-cros works out well for you when you do get them. __________________ My Ear Blog Advanced Bionics BEA Volunteer Mentor

10-27-2011, 08:03 PM	#23 (permalink)
LDNanna Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 2,688	I am glad you made a decision that suits you. I did not get bahas either. __________________ I have discovered that the word "diet" begins with d i e.

10-27-2011, 08:54 PM	#24 (permalink)
SkullChick Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Middle Of Nowhere, Delaware Posts: 940	Wirelessly posted cant you get trial period? __________________ [Left Ear] Implanted 1/15/08 with Nucleus Freedom! Activated 2/12/08 with Freedom BTE Link for my Cochlear Implant http://skullchick.blogspot.com Link for my Blog unrelated to cochlear Implant http://skullchickworld.blogspot.com

11-06-2011, 07:53 AM	#27 (permalink)
drphil Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Toronto Ontario Posts: 4,117	Isn't the most important consideration is- exactly what is one's condition? That is a question of fact. Bone conduction "problems" are not the same as sensorineural problems. This from my experience in getting considered for a Cochlear Implant after I became bilateral DEAF in December 06. Implanted Sunnybrook/Toronto A B Harmony activated Aug/07 __________________ Get Real:Implanted Sunnybrook/Toronto -Advanced Bionics-Harmony activated Aug/07

11-06-2011, 10:50 AM	#28 (permalink)
LoveBlue Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 3,360	I believe the BAHA takes the sounds received by the deaf ear and "conducts" it to the hearing ear. I don't think it provides hearing to the deaf ear. I could be wrong. __________________ Severe-to-profound hearing loss in both ears. SD @ 100db L-88% / R-96% - unaided Phonak Naida IX UPs

11-06-2011, 05:24 PM	#29 (permalink)
Dixie May I be found in Him Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 13,266	That is correct LoveBlue. It conducts the sound to the hearing ear via bone conduction in the skull. It is attached to the skull not the cochlea. __________________ Oh, you will. It is all a dream and since matter cannot be created nor destroyed, the dreams must be real in all their myriad forms. -Beowulf This Delicate Thing God Has Made *The world is measured in peasants; smaller than a unicorn but, bigger than a tidbit!*

11-27-2011, 03:24 PM	#30 (permalink)
debster592 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Chicopee, MA Posts: 1	I was born complete deafness in my left ear and have had decreasing hearing in my right. I have had my BAHA for about 5 years now. In the past I was told that with my single sided deafness there was no options available. That all changed when I went to a new ENT 5 and half years ago. He had me try the BAHA in office, then gave me a loaner on a headband to borrow for a couple of days to see how it worked in my work environment (I work at a dialysis clinic). For the first time in my life I felt that I was really a part of the hearing world and not in that limbo that is between the deaf world and the hearies....At the time I got the BAHA I was covered by medicaid as a secondary insurance, my primary insurance, Health New England specifically excludes the BAHA. Now I really want to upgrade to the BAHA 3 (I have the Divino now) but it's $4000....and I just can't afford to at this time looking into programs that may help financially to get this as my life is truly better with the BAHA than without it.

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