Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) in Burbank, CA
Expert Conductive Hearing Loss Treatment
Discover a cutting-edge solution for hearing loss at SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers in Burbank, CA. Our experienced team is proud to offer state-of-the-art bone anchored hearing aids. Using innovative technology, these devices bypass the outer and middle ear, directly stimulating the inner ear to improve hearing. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards enhancing your hearing experience.
What are Bone Anchored Hearing Aids?
Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHAs) are innovative devices that utilize bone conduction to assist individuals with hearing loss. By transmitting sound vibrations directly through the skull bone to the inner ear, BAHAs bypass the outer and middle ear, providing clear and amplified sound perception. Developed in the 1970s, BAHAs consist of an implant surgically placed in the temporal bone, an abutment for connection, and a sound processor housing the microphone and electronics.
Causes of Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss can be caused by various factors that interfere with the transmission of sound through the outer or middle ear. Some common causes include:
- Earwax Blockage – Excessive accumulation of earwax can obstruct the ear canal.
- Middle Ear Infections – Infections such as otitis media can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear.
- Perforated Eardrum – A hole or rupture in the eardrum.
- Malformation or Damage to the Ear Structures – Structural abnormalities or injuries to the ear, such as a malformed ear canal or damage to the ossicles (tiny bones in the middle ear).
- Tumors or Growths – Noncancerous growths, such as cholesteatomas, or tumors in the ear can interfere with sound transmission.
- Eustachian Tube Dysfunction – A malfunctioning Eustachian tube, which helps equalize pressure in the middle ear.
- Otosclerosis – A condition characterized by abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, specifically around the stapes bone.
The Bone Anchored Hearing Aids Procedure
The BAHA device is positioned on the side of the ear with hearing loss, utilizing bone conduction to transfer sound vibrations and stimulate the cochlea of the unaffected ear with normal hearing. By effectively transmitting sounds from the impaired side to the functional ear, the BAHA creates the sensation of hearing from the previously deafened ear.
Types of Bone Anchored Hearing Aids
There are two main types of bone anchored hearing aids available. These variations in BAHA design offer different options for individuals based on their specific needs and preferences:
- Abutment BAHA – In this type, the implant protrudes through the scalp skin, allowing for a direct connection to the external sound processor.
- Magnet BAHA – This type features an implant magnet that is flat and disc-shaped, similar in size to a two pence coin.
Candidates for Bone Anchored Hearing Aids
Our experienced team recommends the BAHA system for individuals who experience a unilateral or bilateral conductive or mixed hearing impairment and can derive amplification benefits. This procedure is commonly recommended for patients who utilize a traditional bone conduction hearing aid.
Bone Anchored Hearing Aids vs. Traditional Hearing Aids
Bone anchored hearing systems differ from conventional hearing aids as they involve a surgical implantation process. These devices address hearing loss by utilizing bone conduction to transmit sound vibrations directly to the inner ear. This stands in contrast to regular hearing aids that amplify external sounds entering the ear canal.
Get Hearing Solutions from SoCal
At SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers in Burbank, CA, we understand the impact that hearing loss can have on your daily life. That’s why we are committed to providing advanced bone conduction hearing aid services that offer a breakthrough solution for improved hearing. Our knowledgeable team will guide you through the process, offering personalized care and state-of-the-art technology to enhance your auditory experience. Schedule your appointment today to experience relief from symptoms of conductive hearing loss.