Bone Anchored Hearing Aids in Joliet, New Lenox and Morris, IL

A BAHA® (Bone Anchored Hearing Aid) is an FDA-approved implantable hearing solution designed for individuals who cannot benefit from traditional hearing aids. Instead of amplifying sound through the ear canal, a BAHA® system uses bone conduction to deliver sound directly to the inner ear.

The system includes a small titanium implant placed in the bone behind the ear, which works together with an external sound processor. Sound vibrations bypass the ear canal and middle ear, making BAHA® an effective option for people with certain medical conditions, chronic ear problems, or anatomical differences.

Unlike traditional hearing aids, a BAHA® system does not sit in or block the ear canal, helping reduce irritation and allowing sound to reach the inner ear even when the middle ear is not functioning properly.

How BAHA® Differs From Traditional Hearing Aids

Traditional hearing aids rely on air conduction, sending amplified sound through the ear canal, eardrum, and middle ear before reaching the inner ear.

A BAHA® system works differently. It delivers sound vibrations through the skull bone directly to the inner ear, bypassing the ear canal and middle ear entirely. This makes BAHA® hearing devices especially helpful for individuals with conductive or mixed hearing loss, chronic ear infections, or single-sided deafness.

In simple terms, BAHA® systems reroute sound around the part of the ear that is not working as it should.

Components of a BAHA® System

A BAHA® hearing system typically includes:

  • Titanium implant placed in the bone behind the ear
  • Abutment or magnetic attachment that connects the implant to the sound processor
  • External sound processor that captures sound and converts it into gentle vibrations

BAHA® systems are FDA-approved and have been used safely and effectively for many years as a long-term hearing solution.

How a BAHA® System Works

Hearing normally occurs when sound travels through the ear canal and middle ear to reach the inner ear. A BAHA® system uses a different pathway that relies on bone conduction.

Bone Conduction Explained

  • The external sound processor picks up sound from the environment
  • Sound is converted into vibrations
  • Vibrations travel through the skull bone
  • The inner ear (cochlea) receives the vibrations and sends sound signals to the brain

Because bone conduction bypasses the ear canal and middle ear, BAHA® devices allow sound to reach the inner ear even when those structures are damaged, blocked, or not fully formed.

Osseointegration

The titanium implant naturally bonds with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration. This creates a stable, long-lasting connection that allows sound vibrations to be transmitted efficiently and comfortably over time.

Conditions Treated With BAHA®

A BAHA® implant may be recommended for individuals with:

  • Conductive hearing loss
  • Mixed hearing loss
  • Single-sided deafness (SSD)
  • Chronic ear infections or ongoing ear drainage that prevent the use of traditional hearing aids
  • Congenital ear canal abnormalities, such as atresia or microtia
  • Hearing loss that does not improve with conventional hearing aids

By bypassing the ear canal and middle ear, BAHA® systems offer a hearing solution when traditional amplification is not effective or comfortable.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a BAHA® Implant?

Both children and adults may be candidates for a BAHA® system, depending on their hearing needs and medical history. Not everyone is a candidate, which is why a comprehensive evaluation is essential.

You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Have chronic ear infections or persistent ear drainage
  • Have outer or middle ear malformations
  • Experience significant hearing asymmetry or single-sided deafness
  • Cannot tolerate traditional hearing aids
  • Are seeking an alternative to CROS hearing aids

A complete audiological evaluation and medical assessment help determine candidacy. Many patients can also trial a BAHA® sound processor using a test band or softband before deciding whether to move forward with surgery.

Benefits of the BAHA® System

Patients often choose BAHA® hearing systems for benefits such as:

  • Improved speech clarity and understanding
  • Better hearing in noisy environments
  • Natural sound quality through bone conduction
  • Bypassing damaged ear canal or middle ear structures
  • A comfortable, stable, long-term hearing solution
  • A non-occluding design that does not block the ear canal
  • Potential improvements in communication, confidence, and quality of life

For appropriately selected candidates, BAHA® systems can provide meaningful hearing improvement in everyday situations.

Types of BAHA® Systems

BAHA® systems generally fall into two categories:

Percutaneous Systems

  • The sound processor connects directly to the implant through a small abutment
  • Provides direct bone conduction
  • Often offers strong and efficient sound transmission

Transcutaneous Systems

  • Use a magnetic connection under the skin
  • No external abutment
  • May be preferred for cosmetic or skin-care considerations

Several manufacturers offer BAHA®-style hearing devices, including Cochlear BAHA® and Oticon Ponto®. An audiologist can help determine which system and sound processor style is most appropriate based on hearing needs, anatomy, and lifestyle.

The BAHA® Evaluation and Diagnostic Process

The BAHA® evaluation process typically includes:

  • Comprehensive hearing testing
  • Audiological assessment
  • Review of medical history
  • Physical examination
  • Imaging studies, such as a CT scan, if needed
  • Trial with a test processor or softband
  • Discussion of expected outcomes and limitations

This process ensures patients are well informed and have realistic expectations before proceeding.

The BAHA® Implant Procedure

The BAHA® implant procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis.

What to Expect

  • Surgery may be done under local or general anesthesia
  • The implant is placed in the bone behind the ear
  • The procedure usually takes less than one hour
  • Patients return home the same day

Healing and Activation

  • Healing time varies but often takes several weeks
  • The sound processor is activated after proper healing
  • Follow-up visits allow the audiologist to program and fine-tune the device

Most patients are able to resume normal daily activities shortly after surgery, following their provider’s guidance.

If you’d like to know more about BAHA® implants, schedule a consultation by calling our team at [PRACTICE/PROVIDER in LOCATION] today.

Frequently Asked Questions About BAHA® Implants

1. Is a BAHA® implant permanent?

A BAHA® implant is designed to be a long-term hearing solution, but it is not irreversible. The titanium implant is placed in the bone behind the ear and can remain in place indefinitely. If needed, the implant can be removed by a medical professional. The external sound processor is removable and can be upgraded over time as technology advances.

2. Does a BAHA® implant require surgery?

Yes, a BAHA® system involves a minor surgical procedure to place the implant in the bone behind the ear. The surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis and often takes less than an hour. Many patients go home the same day and resume normal activities shortly afterward, following their provider’s recommendations.

3. How is a BAHA® different from a cochlear implant?

A BAHA® implant and a cochlear implant are designed for different types of hearing loss. A BAHA® system uses bone conduction to send sound vibrations to a functioning inner ear, bypassing the ear canal and middle ear. A cochlear implant directly stimulates the hearing nerve and is typically used for individuals with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. An audiological evaluation helps determine which option, if any, is appropriate.

4. Will a BAHA® implant help with single-sided deafness (SSD)?

Yes, BAHA® systems are commonly used to help individuals with single-sided deafness (SSD). The device transmits sound from the non-hearing side to the functioning inner ear, improving awareness of sounds and speech coming from the affected side. Many patients find BAHA® implants helpful as an alternative to CROS hearing aids.

5. Does insurance cover a BAHA® implant?

Coverage for BAHA® implants varies by insurance provider and individual plan. Because BAHA® systems are FDA-approved medical devices, they are often covered by insurance when medical criteria are met. An audiology clinic or surgical team typically assists with insurance verification and pre-authorization as part of the evaluation process.