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Semin Hear 2010; 31(4): 326-349
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1268033
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Baha for Single-Sided Sensorineural Deafness: Review and Recent Technological Innovations

Mark C. Flynn1 , Carol A. Sammeth2 , Andre Sadeghi1 , George Cire2 , Glenn Halvarsson1
  • 1Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions, Göteborg, Sweden
  • 2Cochlear Americas, Centennial, Colorado
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Publication History

Publication Date:
07 December 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

An implantable bone conduction hearing system such as the Baha auditory osseointegrated implant is one amplification choice for patients with single-sided deafness (SSD). Several published reports outline the benefits that Baha provides for speech recognition in noise as well as subjective preference. Recent advances in Baha sound processor technology (e.g., Cochlear Baha BP100) provide technological advantages specifically for persons with SSD. In particular, fitting software is now used to measure in situ bone conduction thresholds through the Baha sound processor and to individually prescribe amplification settings based on the patient's hearing loss and degree of transcranial attenuation. Additionally, technology such as automatic directional microphones and noise reduction systems may provide improved hearing in noise solutions for patients with SSD. This article reviews the research on Baha for SSD and presents data on the advantages for this patient population using new features available in the Baha BP100 sound processor.

KEYWORDS

Bone-anchored hearing aid (Baha) - single-sided deafness (SSD) - unilateral hearing loss - amplification - BP100

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Mark FlynnPh.D. 

Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions, P.O. Box 82

SE-435 22 Mölnlycke, Göteborg, Sweden

Email: mflynn@cochlear.com