Friday 22 May 2009

BAHA ?

Today, I went to see my Audiologist about getting a new hearing aid.
My current hearing aid(s) were fitted ten years ago ...though I only wear one as the other aid doesn't help. I know technology has improved over the years and I was very excited to hear a new option.

He told me about a new system called BAHA (Bone anchored hearing aid) and suggested I might be a candidate.
I made a few phone calls and booked an appointment for July for a hearing test and assessment to see if I am a suitable candidate.

I found this on the Cochlear Aust site...

Cochlear, the world leader in implantable hearing solutions, now brings hearing to more people than ever before. Our bone conduction implant, the Baha® system, helps people with conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss as well as Single Sided Deafness (SSD™).

The Baha sound processors provide hearing to people who cannot or do not want to use traditional hearing aid technology.


I have struggled with moderate hearing impairment for over 20 (to 30) years. It is mainly conductive deafness but I suspect it is mixed as well.
I suffer from constant ear infections and wearing the hearing aid exacerbates it.I have almost complete deafness in one ear and moderate hearing loss in the other , plus my middle ear bones have been affected by numerous infections and I have a perforated ear drum. It is not suitable for reconstruction.
This may be the answer I have been looking for to improve my life, and restore sound and communication.

The operation is 'simple' and the device an implantable prosthesis is allegedly covered by my health fund (The BAHA device @$6000 is not cheap). I have no idea of the cost of surgery though some will be covered by PHI.

I read it is also available through public system but have no idea of the waiting list time.
Today , I am very grateful we have private health insurance - I've paid thousands over the last 22 years.

Has anyone heard about BAHA ?
PS : The Audiologist didn't even charge me for his advice and he said he loses a sale over it too ;)
I joined an online forum and even got an email tonight from one of the first BAHA recipients 4 yrs ago.


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8 comments :

Kristin said...

I think BAHA is a form of the cochlear implants. I know someone who got one and she went from being completely deaf (and she had been since childhood) to being able to hear her kids for the first time. She loved it.

~ICLW

Secret Mom Thoughts said...

Good luck. I hope things work out for you.

Widdle Shamrock said...

Never heard of Baha (pun not intended)

Just from the constant ear infections alone, if this could help, that would be a blessing, I would imagine.

Hope it pans out for you.

Queen Of 4 Kings said...

All the best to you! I love to read your blogs. :-)
Thank you for your kind comments as well. Your babies are absolutely precious! Time really does fly. Enjoy the "little tot" time while you can. They grow so very quickly. Blessings to you always! ~Val

jeanie said...

I can imagine slight hearing disorders would work well for the activities in your header!!

Good luck.

tiff(threeringcircus) said...

I've never heard of it Trish but I think if it's something you want to do then you should go for it!

MissyBoo said...

Definately worth checking out. I hope you're a candidate and it vastly improves your hearing and reduces the infections.

Good Luck

Elizabeth said...

Great blog! I hope you'll consider adding it to the aggregator at Deaf Village (www.deafvillage.com) -- we'd love to have you as part of our community!

I have worked with several Baha users -- it is a FANTASTIC device. I would be happy to connect you with a Cochlear Awareness Network volunteer who uses a Baha so you can talk to someone who lives it every day. Let me know!

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