Ear Center: BAHA Hearing Implants
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BAHA Summary Sound Conditions Single Sided Deafness Candidacy
BAHA5 Sound Processor | BAHA5 Power | BAHA5 SuperPower
A Different Approach | BAHA4 System: Connect & Attract
BAHA 3 Sound Processors | BAHA 3 BP-100 | BAHA 3 BP-110 Power
BAHA 210 Abutment | BAHA 3 Abutment | BAHA DermaLock
Control of Feedback | Indications |
Accessories |
Insurance Coverage | Support/Repair
BAHA Upgrades
BAHA MRI Instructions for Radiographers (MRI Compatibility)
Cochlear BAHA Support Resources
BAHA - Direct Bone Conduction Hearing Implants, 2 Options
The BAHA osseointegrated hearing implant has been successfully used to treat over 35,000 patients worldwide and consists of:
- Option 1: various lengths of percutaneous BAHA5 Connect fixture/abutments that are surgically implanted in the skull bone behind the ear.
- Option 2: a BAHA5 Attract fixture/magnet implanted subcutaneously in the skull bone behind the ear (not implanted at The Ear Center at this time)
With Option 1, the BAHA5 Connect system, an external digital sound processor containing directional microphones and a battery supply is then "snap coupled" to a percutaneous abutment.
With Option 2, the BAHA5 Attract system, an external digital sound processor is is coupled to an external magnet that couples transcutaneously with an implanted magnet attached to the implanted titanium fixture.
Minimally Invasive "Punch" Technique:
The BAHA surgical procedure is performed at The Ear Center through a minimally invasive, 5 mm punch technique, behind the ear under general anesthesia as an outpatient. The procedure takes less than one hour. The fixture i s permitted to heal in the bone for 4 weeks before the various types of BAHA5 external sound processors are attached (loaded).
The BAHA5 implant requires minimal skin care, does not occlude the ear canal, and provides hearing to both inner ears by completely bypassing the outer ear, ear canal, and middle ear.
Sound
We receive sound in two ways, by air conduction via the ear canal, eardrum, and ossicles, and by bone conduction where sound is transmitted directly through the jaw and bones of the skull bypassing the outer ear and the middle ear.
Conditions
In most cases, hearing impaired patients will be fitted with air conduction devices. These are placed inside the ear canal or behind the ear. However, some hearing impaired patients are unable to benefit from this type of conventional hearing aid. They may have a congenital condition, such as never developing an ear canal (atresia) so there is no functional ear canal present in which to place a hearing aid. They may have chronic ear infection in the middle ear or the outer ear that is made worse when a hearing aid mold is placed in the ear canal causing occlusion. Such a situation applies to many patients who have undergone modified or radical mastoidectomy procedures.
Single Sided Deafness
Another hearing loss condition is called "Single Sided Deafness" (SSD) that may be due to previous surgery, trauma, ear disease, sudden hearing loss, Meniere's Disease, etc. which leaves the individual with no hearing in one ear.
Traditionally, patients with SSD were offered either traditional bone conduction devices which were large, cumbersome, and required the wearing of a steel spring headband or a CROS hearing aid system (contralateral routing of signal). CROS devices required wearing a microphone on the dead ear, connected by wired or wireless connection a second hearing aid in the opposite ear. Most patients reject both types of devices as they are very cumbersome.
Candidacy
The BAHA5 system is recommend for adults and children older than 5 years of age. Its specific indications include:
- conductive hearing loss, in one or both ears, with average bone thresholds better than 45 dB for the BAHA5, 55 dB for the BAHA5 Power, and 65 dB for the BAHA5 SuperPower device
- congenital absence of the ear canal(s) (congenital atresia)
- single sided deafness in which one ear is completely without hearing and the other ear hears relatively normally
BAHA5 Sound Processors Fitting Range
Two Different Implant Approaches Compared to Traditional Bone Conduction Hearing Aids
The BAHA5 hearing implant works through a different approach to bone conduction. Whereas traditional bone-conductors are transcutaneous and work by exerting pressure against the skull, the BAHA5 system works either percutaneously (BAHA5 Connect) or transcutaneously with an implanted fixture/magnet (BAHA5 Attract). A small titanium implant is implanted in the skull behind the ear where it osseointegrates with the living bone. With the BAHA5 Connect, a percutaneous abutment is attached the implant, and a sound processor is snap-coupled to the abutment. The sound processor can be worn or taken off at any time. The BAHA sound processor is comfortable and discreet. With the BAHA5 Attract, a subcutaneous fixture/magnet is implanted and the externally worn sound processor magnetically attracts transcutaneously to the subcutaneous fixture/magnet. Only the BAHA5 Connect system is being implanted at The Ear Center at this time.
Three Different BAHA5 Sound Processors to Chose From, Depending on Your Hearing Needs
- BAHA5 Sound Processor - the smallest processor: for hearing loss up to 45 dB
- BAHA5 Power - slightly larger than the BAHA5: for hearing loss up to 55 dB
- BAHA5 SuperPower - the first head-worn super power bone conduction processor: for hearing loss up to 65 dB
Choice #1: BAHA 5 Sound Processor - The Latest & Smallest Technology Available
The BAHA 5 Sound Processor is 20% smaller than other compatible sound processors.
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BAHA5 Sound Processor |
BAHA5 fits in your hand |
BAHA5 Sound Processor
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Small and discreet. May be hidden under hair. |
Many colors are available to match your hair color. |
Features of the BAHA5 Sound Processors include:
- BAHA5 - a 26mm high, 13% smaller sound processor as compared to the BAHA 4 SP, with the same power output
- 20% smaller size as compared to other bone conduction sound processors
- seven SmartSound IQ environments
- Speech in loud noise
- Speech in soft noise
- Loud speech
- Soft speech
- Soft noise
- Loud noise
- Quiet
- BAHA 5 Sound Processors are compatible with iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, iPad Air 2, iPad Air (4th generation), iPad Mini 3, iPad Mini 2, iPad Mini, and iPod Touch (5th generation) using iOS7 or later.
- BAHA 5 Smart App - stream sound directly from an iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, even a FaceTime call
- Change programs
- Start wireless streaming
- Adjust the volume, treble and base for your sound processor and accessories
- Save custom settings
- Link personalized settings to your favorite, specific locations
- Find your misplaced sound processor
- View sound processor information and usage
- Get support
- The BAHA 5 Smart App is compatible with iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, iPad Air 2, iPad Air (4th generation), iPad Mini 3, iPad Mini 2, iPad Mini, and iPod Touch (5th generation) using iOS8.1 or later.
- BAHA Control App - for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch and Android smart phones (*requires Phone Clip)
- Adjust your sound processor's and/or wireless accessory's volume
- Mute your sound processor and/or wireless accessories
- Store wireless accessory settings
- Made for iPhone, iPad and iTouch
- Using only your compatible device, access built-in features like
- Streaming music and audio from device to sound processor
- Stream incoming/outgoing calls or FaceTime
- Control and adjust processor settings
- Turn your device into a portable microphone using Live Listen
- Using only your compatible device, access built-in features like
- If you do not have an iPhone, etc, you may control the BAHA 5 sound processor using a Cochlear BAHA Remote Control, BAHA Control App or other wireless accessories
- Wireless freedom
- Connect to a range of wireless accessories
- Watch TV without disturbing others
- Better hearing of speech in noisy environments
- Connect to all types of electronic devices
- Cochlear wireless phone clip
- Cochlear wireless TV streamer
- Cochlear wireless mini microphone
BAHA 5 Sound Processor Color Choices
BAHA 5 Top Push Button Control
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BAHA 5 Sound Processor with top push button control |
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BAHA 5 Sound Processor features |
Choice #2: BAHA5 Power - enhanced features compared to the BAHA Intenso
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Slightly larger, but more powerful. |
Many colors are available to match your hair color. |
Choice #3: BAHA5 SuperPower - enhanced capability & convenience compared to the BAHA Cordelle
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Behind the ear style with super power. |
Many colors are available to match your hair color. |
BAHA 4 System - Technology with 2 options: Connect vs. Attract
Option #1 - BAHA 4 Connect System - Previous Sound Processor, Same Implant
The BAHA 4 Connect System is the newest of the classic percutaneous osseointegrated implants from Cochlear Americas. It is uses a percutaneous BAHA 4 DermaLock implant and new BAHA 4 Sound Processor that is directly coupled to the titanium implant. The new BAHA 4 Sound Processor is 3x faster, has 8x more memory than previous BAHA SP's, uses 2.4 GHz digital wireless connectivity, and has remote control capability.
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BAHA4 Connect System |
BAHA4 Connect Graphic |
Percutaneous BAHA4 Connect Implant |
Option #2 - BAHA 4 Attract System - Previous Sound Processor Technology, Same Implant
The BAHA 4 Attract System is the first transcutaneous osseointegrated implants from Cochlear Americas. It is uses a BAHA 4 osseointegrated titanium implant, subcutaneous magnet attached to the osseointegrated implant, an external sister magnet, and a new BAHA 4 Sound Processor that is coupled to externally worn magnet. The new BAHA 4 Sound Processor is 3x faster, has 8x more memory than previous BAHA SP's, uses 2.4 GHz digital wireless connectivity, and has remote control capability.
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BAHA4 Attract Implant & SP |
BAHA4 Attract Graphic |
BAHA4 Attract SP in place |
Transcutaneous BAHA4 Attract SP removed |
Click here to learn more about the BAHA4 System from Cochlear Americas
The information below is previous BAHA technology and is provided for historical information. None of the previous technology is currently available or supported.
BAHA 3 Sound Processors - Previous Technology
- BAHA 3
- BP-100 - BAHA sound processor, introduced in 2009, programmable
- BP-110 Power - BAHA sound processor, introduced in 2011, programmable
- Intenso - slightly larger processor for more severe hearing losses, not programmable
- Divino* - second generation of original sound processor (discontinued for sale effective September 1, 2009)
- *Service and repair for the Divino will continue until the product obsolescence date, June 30, 2012. For questions related to the Divino, you may contact Cochlear Americas Customer Service at 877-883-3101.
BP-100 - The First Programmable Bone Conduction Hearing Implant
The BP-100 was introduced in August 2009 and is the industry's first programmable bone conduction hearing implant.
Features of the BP-100 include:
- Clarity of Sound
- 12 Channel sound analysis
- Automatic multi-band directional microphones
- Advanced noise reduction & feedback management systems
- Brilliance in Design
- GORE-Tex® covers to protect the microphone
- 3-button interface for volume & programming changes
- Key lock function to keep kids safe from dislodged batteries
- Tamper-proof battery doors (optional)
- Simplicity in Use
- Three distinct fitting options
- NOAH-compatible Cochlear Fitting Software
- Automatic features for seamless listening in changing environments
- Universal Europin connector for a variety of accessories like FM systems
- LEDs permit parents & caregivers to know whether the processor is on and if the battery is good
Click to learn more about the BAHA BP-100 at: www.cochlearamericas.com/professionals/bp100
BAHA BP-110 Power - Previous BAHA Sound Processor
The BP-110 Power sound processor was introduced in 2011, is programmable, and has more power than the BP-100.
Features of the BP-110 Power include:
- The Most Powerful Head-worn Baha
- Thinnest Programmable Power Baha
- Better Fittings Made Easier
- Designed for performance
- The first power sound processor with directional microphones
- Most powerful transducer
- Better sound quality
The Cochlear Baha 3 System* set the standard for advanced bone conduction hearing solutions. The new Cochlear Baha 3 BP-110 Power Sound Processor with the most powerful Baha transducer, provides more amplification where many patients need it the most - in the high frequencies. Baha 3 BP-110 Power is designed to give patients better speech understanding and superior sound quality, compared with previous generations of processors.
Intenso - Previous Technology
The digital Intenso is the most powerful head worn BAHA sound processor. The Intenso contains a stronger transducer (vibrator) with active, multi-band feedback cancellation that allows for increased amplification for patients with significant hearing losses. The Intenso is more comparable to the Cordelle body worn processor in terms of available gain characteristics. The Intenso is available in black, blonde, silver-grey, and brown. Other features include:
- tone control
- gain control,
- three program settings (setting 1 for normal listening situations, setting 2 for noisy environments, and Program E for muting when using accessories),
- automatic gain control to limit distortion in noise,
- electrical input to connect accessories such as an audio adapter, telecoil unit, a Phonak MicroLink Baha FM-receiver,
- information beeps to identify program mode and low battery status.
- (Reference from the BAHA Intenso Data Sheet, March 2007
BAHA Cordelle II - Body Worn Sound Processor, Previous Technology
The BAHA Cordelle II is the second generation of body worn BAHA sound processors. The Cordelle II is ideal for patients who require significant energy for substantial hearing losses.
Features of the BAHA Cordelle II include:
- Body-worn Super Power
- Designed for more substantial hearing losses
- The body-worn Baha Cordelle II is the strongest member of the Baha family
You will hear more than ever, with less feedback and distortion than conventional hearing aids. The Baha Cordelle II is the most powerful Baha sound processor offered by Cochlear, consisting of an ear-level transducer and a body-worn unit. This model has a built in telecoil, which allows wearers to utilize teleloop facilities or as a telephone pick-up to help enhance sound quality.
BAHA 210 Series Abutment - Previous Technology
The BAHA 210 Abutment was designed with a concave profile to help prevent skin from overgrowing the abutment.
BAHA 3 Series Abutment - Previous Technology
Cochlear Baha 3 BI300 Implant
Improved stability
- Wider diameter
- Small sized threads below flange
- TiOblast™ surface (promotes integration with bone)
- New conical shape
Trusted solution
- Market leader and innovator
- Tri-lobe connection
- Helium-tight seal
- Precise countersinking
Simplified surgery
- Single-use instrument kit
- Improved packaging
- Fewer tools and steps
Control of Feedback
Feedback is annoying for all patients who wear hearing devices. With the BAHA system, feedback is either mechanical (400-1000 Hz range) or acoustic (1500-3000 Hz range). One way to reduce potential feedback is to reduce gain or apply a notch filter. These solutions lead to a loss of power (gain), audibility, and decreased hearing. The Intenso uses phase cancellation technology to automatically, and effectively, cancel the feedback with an out-of-phase sound signal of the matched frequency, amplitude, and phase.
Indications
Indications for the BAHA Intenso include conductive or mixed hearing losses for patients whose bone conduction thresholds are within the 0 - 45 dB range across the speech frequencies and for patients who have Single Sided Deafness (SSD).
Accessories
Intenso accessories that are available include:
- an audio adapter for direct input from stereos, TV's, MP3's, and other Hi-Fi equipment,
- a Phonak MicroLink Baha FM-receiver
- a telecoil unit to access loop facilities in phones, homes, theaters, seminar halls, etc.
The BAHA Intenso Sound Processor is slightly larger than the BAHA Divino Sound Processor.
Located on inside surface, the surface closer to the head, are the the snap connector, tone and gain controls, a battery compartment, and an attachment point for an optional safety line. The Intenso weighs 14 grams, including a 675 battery.
BAHA DermaLock Implants with Abutments - Current Technology
Cochlear Americas is now manufacturing the BAHA DermaLock implants with abutments (model BIA400) and the BAHA DermaLock abutments (model BA400). The new abutments are made of titanium and are coated with a 80um thick coating of hydroxyapatite (Ca5(PO4)3(OH). The surface roughness (Ra) is approximately 7um. The implants are available in 3 mm and 4 mm models (B1300). Abutment length is determined according to scalp tissue thickness. The hydroxyapatite coating has been developed to improve tissue integration with the implant.
Click here to learn more about the Cochlear Baha DermaLock Abutment.
Insurance Coverage
More and more third party insurance companies are covering the BAHA system. In North Carolina, the BAHA system is covered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield (except for single sided deafness), the North Carolina State Employees Health Plan, and several other companies. Medicare began covering the BAHA system in January of 2006. Please contact your insurance company to inquire as to whether they cover the BAHA system or contact our office for guidance.
Support for BAHA Classic and Compact Processors - Previous Technology
As of June 30, 2011, Cochlear Corporation no longer supports the BAHA Classic or Compact.
For Classic recipients:
- Before April 1, 2010, repair of the Classic will cost $445, or
- The patient may purchase a new BAHA BP100 Sound Processor
For Compact recipients:
- Before July 1, 2011, repairs of the Compact will cost $445, or
- The patient may purchase a new BAHA BP100 Sound Processor
For more information about the BAHA system, go to: www.cochlearamericas.com
If you or one of your loved ones is interested in learning more about:
- the BAHA Hearing Implant and Sound Processors,
- BAHA candidacy,
- the BAHA operative procedure,
- BAHA fitting, or
- BAHA warranty information
Please contact our office at (336) 273-9932 and ask to speak to one of our Audiologists.
BAHA Upgrades
Depending on your insurance coverage, your BAHA upgrade may or may not be covered as a "replacement sound processor."
At this time, The Ear Center is unable to order an upgraded BAHA sound processor for BAHA users. It will be necessary for you to contact Cochlear Americas at 1-800-633-4667, option 2 or at email: reimbursement@cochlear.com.
Click here to learn more about BAHA upgrade options provided by Cochlear.
BAHA MRI Instructions for Radiographers
Click here for "MRI Instructions for Radiographers" for the BAHA Connect hearing implant.
Cochlear BAHA Support Resources
- Baha Support App - available on the App Store or Google Play - access to video tutorials, care instructions, troubleshooting
- myCochlear - one stop shop for all things Cochlear (myCochlear.com/US)
- Click or call
- www.cochlear.com/US
- call 1-800-483-3123 for technical or general support
- call 1-800-633-4667 for reimbursement help
References:
- Davids T, Gordon KA, Clutton D, Papsin BC. Bone-anchored hearing aids in infants and children younger than 5 years. Arch Oto HNS, 133(1) (January), 51-55, 2007.
- Wazen JJ, Gupta R, Ghossaini S, Spitzer J, Farrugia M, Tjellstrom A. Osseointegration timing for Baha System Loading. Laryngoscope, 117, 794-796, 2007.
- Linstrom CJ, Silverman CA, Yu GP. Efficacy of the bone-anchored hearing aid for single-sided deafness. Laryngoscope, 119, 2009, 713-720.
- McDermott AL, Williams J, et.al. Quality of life in children fitted with a bone-anchored hearing aid. Otol Neurotol, 30 (April), 2009, 344-349
- Wazen JJ, Van Ess MJ, Alameda J, Ortega C, Modisett M, Pinsky K. The Baha system in patients with single-sided deafness and contralateral hearing loss. Oto HNS, 142 (4), April, 2010, 554-559.
- House JW, Kutz JW, Chung J, Fisher LM. Bone-anchored hearing aid subjective benefit for unilateral deafness. Laryngoscope, 120(3), March, 2010, 601-607.
- German M, Fine E, Djalilian HR. Traumatic impact to bone-anchored hearing aid resulting in epidural hematoma. Arch Otol, 136(11), 1136-1138.
- Zeitler DM, Snapp HA, et.al. Early loading after single-stage bone-anchored implantation in adults. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2011;144 (March):402-407.
- Monksfield P, Jowett S, et al. Cost effectiveness analysis of the bone-anchored hearing device. Otol Neurotol 2011;32 (October):1192-1197.
- Nelson KL, Cox MD, Richter GT, Dornhoffer JL. A comparative review of osseointegration failure between osseointegrated bone conduction device models in pediatric patients. Otol Neurotol, 37(3) (March), 2016, 276-280.
Page last updated September 10, 2018