Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA)

If you have been told that a conventional hearing aid is not the best option for you, you may have heard about Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA). Although they work differently from traditional hearing aids, they can provide excellent hearing outcomes for the right people.

At Family Hearing Centre, we help patients understand whether a bone anchored hearing system is suitable for their hearing needs.

What is a Bone Anchored Hearing System?

A bone anchored hearing system is a hearing device that bypasses the outer and middle ear and sends sound vibrations directly through the bone to the inner ear (cochlea).

Unlike traditional hearing aids, which amplify sound through the ear canal, a BAHA works by using the natural ability of your skull bone to carry sound. This can provide clearer hearing when sound cannot travel normally through the ear.

Who is a BAHA suitable for?

A bone anchored hearing system may be recommended if you have:

Conductive hearing loss

This occurs when sound has difficulty travelling through the outer or middle ear due to conditions such as:

Chronic ear infections with ongoing ear discharge
Congenital ear canal abnormalities (such as a narrow or absent ear canal)
Damage to the middle ear bones
Previous ear surgery
Persistent hearing loss that cannot be improved with conventional hearing aids

Mixed hearing loss

Some people have both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. If the conductive component makes traditional hearing aids difficult or ineffective, a BAHA may be a better option.

Single-sided deafness (SSD)

People who have normal hearing in one ear and little or no hearing in the other may also benefit from a bone anchored hearing system.

The device picks up sounds from the poorer hearing side and transfers them to the better hearing ear through bone conduction. This helps you become more aware of sounds coming from your deaf side and can make conversations easier in many everyday situations.

What are the benefits?

Many patients notice improvements such as:

Clearer hearing compared with conventional hearing aids for suitable hearing losses
No need to block the ear canal with an earmould
Improved comfort for ears that are prone to infections or discharge
Better awareness of sounds from all directions for single-sided deafness
Reduced feedback (whistling) compared with traditional hearing aids in some cases

Every person's hearing is different, therefore the benefits will vary depending on your hearing loss and medical history.

Types of Bone Anchored Hearing Systems

There are several ways to wear a bone anchored hearing system.

1. Softband

A softband uses an adjustable headband to hold the sound processor against the head.

This option is commonly used for:

Young children who are too young for surgery
Adults wanting to trial a BAHA before deciding on surgery
People who do not wish to have surgery

A softband allows you to experience the potential benefits before making any long-term decisions.

2. Surgically Implanted Systems

For many adults, the sound processor can be attached to a small titanium implant placed in the bone behind the ear.

There are two main types:

Percutaneous system

A small connector (abutment) passes through the skin.
The sound processor clips directly onto the implant.
This provides excellent transmission of sound vibrations.

Transcutaneous system

The implant sits completely beneath the skin.
The external sound processor attaches using magnets.
There is no opening through the skin, making it a popular option for many patients.

Your ear specialist will discuss which type is most appropriate based on your hearing, anatomy and lifestyle.

Will I need surgery?

Not everyone does.

Many patients begin by trialling a BAHA on a softband to see how much benefit they receive. If the results are positive, they may choose to proceed with surgery.

The surgical procedure is generally straightforward and is performed by an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeon. Once the implant has healed, the sound processor is fitted and programmed by your audiologist.

Can I trial a BAHA before deciding?

Yes.

At Family Hearing Centre, we strongly recommend a BAHA trial before considering surgery whenever appropriate. During your appointment, we place the sound processor on a softband and compare your hearing with and without the device.

This allows you to experience the difference in real-life listening situations and helps you make an informed decision.

Funding Options

Some patients may be eligible for publicly funded bone anchored hearing systems through New Zealand's health services if they meet specific clinical criteria.

If public funding is not available, private funding options may also be suitable. We can discuss the available pathways and help guide you through the process.

How can Family Hearing Centre help?

Choosing the right hearing solution can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to make the decision alone.

At Family Hearing Centre, we provide:

Comprehensive hearing assessments
BAHA candidacy evaluations
BAHA trials using a softband
Independent advice on the most suitable hearing technology
Referrals to ENT specialists when appropriate
Ongoing fitting, programming and follow-up care

Our goal is to help you find the hearing solution that best suits your hearing needs, lifestyle and long-term goals.

Book an Assessment

If you have been told that traditional hearing aids are not suitable or would like to find out whether a bone anchored hearing system could improve your hearing, we would be happy to help.

Contact Family Hearing Centre to arrange a comprehensive hearing assessment and BAHA consultation. Together we can explore the options available and help you take the next step towards better hearing.