Bone Anchored Hearing Aid FAQ
Common questions include: What is involved in the assessment? How much will it cost? How can I be referred? If you have a question that is not answered here please contact us.
What is involved in the audiological investigation?
We endeavor to ensure that there is no simpler way to assist you to hear. We will trial a temporarily fitted BAHA device to help you assess its effectiveness.
How long do I have to wait to get a BAHA?
The audiological assessment process usually requires 2-3 visits and takes a minimum of 1 month. When both you and our BAHA team are happy to go ahead, there is a wait of only a few weeks for an operation time.
How much will it cost?
For details on the costs for BAHA treatment, please contact SACIC.
How much hearing loss does someone need before they are considered suitable for a BAHA?
People with single sided inner ear (sensori-neural) hearing loss of a profound degree may benefit from a BAHA. People with a conductive or mixed type of hearing loss must have a sensori-neural (inner ear) hearing loss of no more than 65dB (moderate level) with a conductive component of at least 30dB.
Can someone with a hearing loss from birth or a young age have a successful BAHA?
Provided the hearing loss is of the type and degree mentioned above, we would expect the BAHA to give good outcomes at whatever the age the hearing loss occurred.
What will it be like when the BAHA is switched-on?
You will already have experienced this in the trial assessment.
How often does a person with a BAHA need adjustment?
Unless the degree of your sensori-neural (inner ear) hearing loss changes, you should only require further adjustments to the BAHA on an annual review.
Can a person with a BAHA have an MRI or other X-rays or scans?
X-rays, CT scans and MRI scans can all be performed with the BAHA implant present. The speech processor should be taken off.
Can a person with a BAHA go through the security gates at an airport?
A person with a BAHA can go through airport security. The speech processor should be taken off.
Does the BAHA need to be switched off while flying?
You may be required to switch off your sound processor. Your processor is considered to be a medical portable electronic device (like any hearing aid), so you should notify airline personnel that you are using a BAHA system. Then they can alert you to safety measures which may include the need to switch your processor off.
I am planning overseas travel, what should I take with me? Can I get support from a clinic somewhere else around the world if I need help?
If you are travelling, it's a good idea to get the contact details of clinics in the area from your local clinic before you leave. If you forget to do that, the information is available at the manufacturer’s website.A further consideration when travelling is insurance for accidental loss or damage of your sound processor. And finally, you should take your patient identification card, which is provided for you by SACIC.