How Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids Help Patients with Hearing Loss
Key Pointers:
- A BAHA (Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid) is a type of hearing device that uses bone conduction to deliver sound.
- It is different from traditional hearing aids because it bypasses the ear canal and middle ear.
- BAHA is often used in conductive hearing loss, single-sided deafness, or patients who cannot wear regular hearing aids.
- ENT specialists help assess suitability and guide the process from evaluation to implant surgery and activation.
What Is a BAHA?
A BAHA, or Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid, is a surgically implanted hearing system that transmits sound through the bones of the skull to the inner ear.
Unlike traditional hearing aids that amplify sound through the ear canal, a BAHA bypasses damaged or blocked parts of the outer and middle ear, using direct bone conduction to reach the inner ear (cochlea).
The system typically includes:
- A small titanium implant placed in the bone behind the ear
- An external sound processor that captures sound vibrations
- A connector that transfers sound from the processor to the implant
How Does a BAHA Work?
The BAHA system works by taking advantage of the body’s natural ability to conduct sound through bone.
Here’s how it works:
- Sound is picked up by the external processor.
- These sound waves are converted into vibrations.
- Vibrations travel through the skull bone directly to the inner ear.
- The inner ear processes the sound normally and sends signals to the brain.
This allows people with middle ear issues or blocked ear canals to hear more clearly without needing sound to travel through the traditional pathway.
Who Is a BAHA Suitable For?
ENT specialists may recommend a BAHA for:
- Conductive hearing loss – where sound cannot pass through the outer or middle ear
- Mixed hearing loss – a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss
- Single-sided deafness (SSD) – when one ear has no usable hearing
- Chronic ear infections or skin conditions that make regular hearing aids uncomfortable or unsuitable
- Congenital ear abnormalities, such as microtia or atresia (underdeveloped ear canals)
BAHA may be considered for both children and adults, depending on ear anatomy, hearing levels, and overall health.
What’s the Process Like?
1. ENT Evaluation
You’ll first meet with an ENT doctor, who will assess your ear health, hearing tests, and suitability for bone conduction hearing.
2. Trial with a Softband BAHA (if needed)
Some patients try a non-surgical BAHA on a headband or softband to simulate the effect before committing to surgery.
3. Surgery
If suitable, a short outpatient surgery is performed to place the implant behind the ear. Healing usually takes a few weeks.
4. Processor Fitting and Activation
Once healed, the external sound processor is fitted and fine-tuned by the audiologist.
5. Ongoing Support
Regular check-ups and adjustments help patients adapt and maintain hearing performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is BAHA surgery painful or risky?
The surgery is typically done under local or general anaesthesia and is considered low risk. Most patients go home the same day.
2. Will I be able to try a BAHA before getting the implant?
Yes, many clinics offer BAHA trials using a headband or softband to simulate the benefit before making a decision.
3. Can children use a BAHA system?
Yes. In young children, the BAHA can be worn on a softband until they are old enough for surgery (usually after 5 years old, depending on bone thickness).
4. Is a BAHA visible?
The external processor is visible but discreet. Some models sit slightly off the skin, while newer magnetic options provide a more subtle look.
When to See an ENT Specialist
If you or your child:
- Have conductive or mixed hearing loss
- Cannot use traditional hearing aids due to ear infections, allergies, or ear shape
- Have one-sided deafness affecting daily life or schooling
- Have been diagnosed with microtia, atresia, or chronic middle ear disease
…it may be time to explore whether a BAHA system is right for you.
At Dr Lynne Lim Ear Nose Throat Head and Neck Surgery Centre, Dr Lynne Lim, a Senior Consultant Ear Nose Throat – Head & Neck Surgeon, provides comprehensive assessment and management for bone conduction hearing solutions.
The clinic offers:
- Full ENT evaluation and imaging if required
- In-house audiology and bone conduction testing
- BAHA trial with softband simulation
- Coordination for implant surgery, device activation, and ongoing care
Book a consultation today to learn more about bone-anchored hearing solutions, and find out if BAHA could help restore sound in a way that suits your needs.
