Bone Anchored Devices


What are bone anchored devices?

Medical illustration of a BAHA and middle ear

A bone anchored device is a surgically implantable system for treatment of hearing loss that works through direct bone conduction. It has been used since 1977, and was cleared by the FDA in 1996 as a treatment for conductive and mixed hearing losses in the United States. In 2002, the FDA approved its use for the treatment of unilateral sensorineural hearing loss.


How does a bone anchored device work?

Medical illustration of a baha implant


Who is a candidate for a bone anchored device?


Chronic Ear Infection


The bone anchored device sound processor transmits sound directly to the hearing nerve without involving the ear canal. With bone anchored devices there are no occlusion of the ear canal to aggravate infection. A bone anchored device sound processor offers sound quality at least as good as a conventional air conduction device. For those who need high levels of amplification, problems related to feedback and discomfort are usually resolved.

Congenital Hearing Loss

Photo of an abutment in situ

Congenital conductive hearing loss caused by a malformation of the middle or external ear resulting in a missing or incomplete ear canal (external auditory canal atresia) are effectively managed with bone anchored devices. Traditionally people with this type of hearing loss have been offered an old-fashioned bone conducting hearing aid. These are either held on the head using a steel spring headband or included in the frame of a pair of glasses. Traditional bone conductors have several disadvantages. The sound quality is poor as the skin acts as a barrier for the sound to travel to the inner ear. They are uncomfortable - patients complain of pain and headaches due to the constant pressure of the headband. They are also cumbersome, obtrusive and insecure.

The bone anchored device system can be a real solution for people with this type of impairment. The bone anchored device's sound processor is directly integrated to the skull bone. Because of this direct interface, the bone anchored device system offers significantly better sound quality than that of a traditional bone conductor. The bone anchored device sound processor works without pressure on the skin avoiding the headaches and soreness associated with the conventional bone conductor. Bone anchored devices offer excellent wearing comfort and a better aesthetic result.

Bone Anchored Devices for Unilateral Deafness

Photo of a compact in situ



The bone anchored device, now an FDA cleared solution for unilateral deafness, provides a completely unique benefit. The bone anchored device is placed on the side of the deaf ear, transfers sound through bone conduction, and stimulates the cochlea of the normal hearing ear. This effectively transmits sounds from the bad side to the normal ear and ultimately results in a sensation of hearing from a deaf ear. Stereo hearing results in improved understanding of speech, especially in background noise and aids in the localization of sound.


