Baha, Bone Conduction Implant

What is Baha?
The Baha system (Cochlear Americas, Englewood, Colorado) utilizes the body's natural ability to conduct sound. Bone, like air, conducts sound vibrations. For people with hearing loss, this provides another pathway to perceive sound.

Typical hearing aids rely on air conduction and a functioning middle ear. In cases where the middle ear function may be blocked, damaged or occluded, the Baha system may be a better option as it bypasses the middle ear altogether. Instead, sound is sent around the damaged or problematic area, naturally stimulating the cochlea through bone conduction. Once the cochlea receives these sound vibrations, the organ 'hears' in the same manner as through air conduction; the sound is converted into neural signals and is transferred to the brain, allowing a Baha recipient to perceive sound.

How does it work?
We receive sound in two ways, by air conduction via the ear canal, eardrum, and ossicles, and by bone conduction. Bone conduction transmits sound directly though the bones in the jaw and skull, bypassing the outer and middle ear.

In most cases, those with a hearing loss will be fitted with traditional air conduction devices. Typically, these hearing aids are placed inside the ear canal or behind the ear. However, some people are unable to benefit from this type of device.

The Baha system, which is based on bone conduction, utilizes a titanium implant, which is placed in the skull bone behind the ear. An abutment connects the sound processor with the implant in the bone. This creates direct (percutaneous) bone conduction. In contrast, traditional bone conductors connect indirectly to the bone through unbroken skin (transcutaneous) and work by exerting pressure against the skull.

Direct bone conduction, provided by Baha, gives improved access to sound when compared to traditional bone conductors since sound is not weakened when passing through the skin. This unique hearing treatment is the only system of its kind cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat hearing loss.

One reason the Baha system works so well is due to its simple design. The Baha system combines a sound processor with an abutment and a small titanium implant. The implant is placed behind the non-functioning ear. Surgery is minor, and Baha recipients report a wide range of advantages over other hearing devices.

MRI INFORMATION
Can I wear the sound processor if I have to undergo an MRI?
The sound processor should be removed prior to undergoing an MRI, but the titanium implant will not pose any risk. Cochlear (Cochlear Americas, Englewood, Colorado) provides wearers with MRI and security check information card.

[MR healthcare professionals are advised to contact the respective manufacturer in order to obtain the latest safety information to ensure patient safety relative to the use of an MR procedure.]

REFERENCE
http://www.cochlearamericas.com/