Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA), also called bone-anchored hearing systems (BAHS), can be a life-changing solution for people who aren’t good candidates for traditional hearing aids. They’re especially useful for individuals with conductive or mixed hearing loss, single-sided deafness (SSD), or outer ear malformations.
At Archer Hearing Centre in Markham, Ontario, our audiologists have extensive experience helping BAHA patients find the right hearing device for their needs.
In this post, we’re sharing 7 things you should know about BAHA/BAHS:
1. BAHA hearing devices work differently from traditional hearing aids.
Unlike traditional hearing aids that amplify sound through the ear canal, a BAHA, or bone conduction hearing aid, captures sound and turns it into vibrations that are transmitted through the bones of the skull directly to the inner ear. The vibrations are then processed as sound by the brain.
This bypasses problems in the outer or middle ear, making bone-anchored hearing solutions effective for those with ear canal malformations, chronic ear infections, or SSD.
This unique approach allows users to hear more clearly and naturally, which improves speech understanding and overall sound quality. Whether you’re using a BAHA hearing aid implant or a headband, the principle of bone conduction remains the same.
2. BAHA hearing aids help a wide range of hearing conditions.
People who may benefit from bone-anchored hearing aids include:
- Those with conductive hearing loss, which is when sound transmission can’t reach the inner ear. This can be caused by infection, blockage, trauma, or structural issues in the outer or middle ear.
- Patients with mixed hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, meaning it affects the outer and middle ear, as well as the inner ear.
- Individuals with single-sided deafness (SSD). SSD is a type of unilateral hearing loss, where there is profound hearing loss in one ear and normal hearing in the other ear.
- People with outer ear malformations or chronic ear infections who have difficulty using traditional hearing aids.
Because bone-anchored hearing aids bypass the problematic areas of the ear, they can improve hearing outcomes and quality of life for many patients.
3. You have surgical and non-surgical options.
- Surgical BAHA implant: A surgical BAHA implant consists of a small component that’s implanted in the skull behind the ear, along with an external sound processor. There are different types of implants. The two most common designs are:
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- Abutment systems: The processor connects to the implant through a small abutment (connector) that extends just beyond the skin.
- Magnet systems: There is no abutment, and the processor attaches externally using a magnet, leaving the skin fully intact.
In either case, the processor picks up sound around you and sends the vibrations to the bone and into the inner ear. This provides a stable, long-term solution with excellent sound transmission.
Ultimately, the specific model of the implanted device you receive will be determined by an ENT surgeon in a hospital team.
- Non-surgical options: For children or adults who are not good candidates for surgery, or who are not ready for surgery, a BAHA hearing aid headband or softband holds the processor against the skull. Non-surgical systems let patients experience the benefits of BAHA without an implant.
Our Markham audiologists can guide you in choosing the best option for your age, hearing needs, and lifestyle.
4. BAHA hearing aid vs. cochlear implant – there’s a difference.
Many people wonder about the difference between a BAHA hearing aid vs. cochlear implant. Both are implantable hearing solutions, but they serve different needs:
- BAHA hearing devices use bone conduction to transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear. They’re ideal for patients with outer or middle ear malformations, chronic ear infections, conductive or mixed hearing loss, and SSD.
- Cochlear implants bypass the auditory canal and inner ear. Instead, they send sound stimuli directly to the auditory nerve. Cochlear implants are typically reserved for people with severe sensorineural hearing loss.
Our audiologists can assess your hearing and determine whether a BAHA bone conduction hearing aid, cochlear implant, or traditional hearing aid is the better option.
5. There are multiple BAHA brands and systems available in Canada.
As an independently owned hearing clinic, Archer Hearing Centre has the freedom to work with all brands and manufacturers, including the two leading BAHA/BAHS brands in Canada:
- Cochlear™ Baha® Systems – Our audiologists work with all generations of the Cochlear System, including the newest Baha 7, which is known for powerful hearing and wireless connectivity. We also offer the Baha Start™ system, which provides a non-surgical option for children using the Baha Soundband™, Softband™, or SoundArc™.
- Oticon Medical Ponto™ Systems – We work with all generations of the Oticon Medical Ponto System, too. This includes the latest Ponto 5 and Ponto 5 SuperPower, featuring BrainHearing™ technology for natural sound. These BAHS devices can be worn surgically or on a softband for trials and pediatric patients.
6. You can try a hearing device before committing.
At Archer Hearing Centre, we offer risk-free trials for BAHA hearing devices:
- Patients with surgical abutments can test the processor.
- Children or those not ready for surgery can try BAHA hearing aid headbands.
This trial period allows you to experience the benefits of BAHA aids and see how they improve your hearing before deciding on a new BAHA sound processor.
7. At Archer Hearing Centre, you’ll get ongoing support and service.
A BAHA hearing aid implant is just the beginning. At Archer Hearing Centre, our team provides:
- Lifetime service and programming for your hearing device
- Flexible financing options to make premium solutions accessible
- Expertise as authorized BAHA providers, including Cochlear™ Baha® and Oticon Ponto™ systems
Our audiologists are committed to supporting you throughout your hearing journey.
Ready to Explore BAHA Hearing Aids in Ontario?
Bone-anchored hearing aids can be a life-changing solution for those who struggle with traditional hearing aids. Whether you’re considering a BAHA implant or a BAHA hearing aid headband, the team at Archer Hearing Centre in Markham is here to help.
Schedule a no-obligation consultation today and take the first step toward better hearing.
