Dr Ashish Vashishth, Consultant and Head, Otorhinolaryngology, HCMCT Manipal Hospital explains that active Bone-anchored hearing Implants unlike hearing aids, are surgically implanted devices. As compared to conventional hearing aids, which amplify acoustic sounds that enter the ear canal, they treat hearing loss through bone conduction of sound vibrations to the inner ear
The Active Bone Anchored Hearing Implant, or Active BAHI, is a cutting-edge hearing loss treatment that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The Active BAHI uses bone conduction to provide an alternative method for achieving sensitive hearing. It works on the basis of a small connector across the skin that efficiently connects the sound processor to the underlying bone, as well as an implant that directly bonds with the underlying bone implant.
Active Bone-anchored hearing Implants unlike hearing aids, are surgically implanted devices. As compared to conventional hearing aids, which amplify acoustic sounds that enter the ear canal, they treat hearing loss through bone conduction of sound vibrations to the inner ear. As a result, bone-anchored implants are considered specialised devices for certain types of hearing loss.
For patients with hearing loss, traditional hearing implants (ossicular replacement prosthesis) are not always the best option, and bone-anchored hearing implants are recommended instead. Active bone-anchored hearing implants are best for people who have one functioning inner ear. However, people who are completely deaf, on the other hand are not candidates for BAHI and should be rather evaluated for cochlear implant candidacy. The best person to determine candidacy is a hearing care professional, such as an otolaryngologist or ENT expert with expertise in Otology and Neurotology.
How does an active BAHI help in hearing?
An ear, nose, and throat surgeon places a small implant into the skull bone during a surgical procedure. Active bone earing implants directly stimulate the bone. The implant works by sending sound waves directly to the cochlea in your inner ear, bypassing the outer and middle ear. It is made up of two parts: an implant is placed under the skin on skull bone surgically and an external sound processor is placed on the outer side. A magnet holds the external piece in place over the implant, and it can be worn under the hair discreetly.
If you suffer from conductive hearing loss, an active BAHI could be the perfect hearing device. This system employs the most cutting-edge bone conduction technology to provide excellent hearing without manipulation of the middle ear, which is often scarred and inappropriate for housing ossicular replacement prosthesis. Without applying pressure, a thin adhesive adapter sticks to the skin of the skull. As a result, it is also suitable for infants and toddlers.
Can you hear right away?
The external device must be clipped on or magnetically connected after the skull and skin have healed. Each manufacturer specifies the time required for healing differently, ranging from three weeks to three months. The external device can be programmed for the patient’s specific hearing loss once it is connected. At this point, wearing an active bone-anchored hearing implant is like wearing an acoustic hearing implant; however, as the patient adjusts to hearing and listening to amplified sounds, some adjustments may be required.
Some benefits of an Active Bone Conduction Implant System
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Even though vibrations are generated inside your skull rather than passing through your skin, the volume and quality of sound are superior to passive systems
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The audio processor, which is worn on the outside of your head, is much smaller, lighter, and less noticeable than the sound processors used in the passive system. Because it does not require skin pressure for stimulation, the active system is more comfortable.
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It can be worn for as long as you want, but it should be taken off before sleeping or bathing
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There is no titanium screw in the skin, unlike with a bone-anchored hearing implant (BAHI). The pierced area of a BAHI requires daily cleaning and, in some people, can cause skin irritations and infections
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Because the skin is left intact, there is no risk with an active bone conduction implant.
Who can go for an active bone anchored hearing implant?
People with moderate to severe conductive hearing loss, including those who are deaf in only one ear (single-sided deafness) and cannot wear hearing aids due to medical conditions such as discharging ears or a lack of ear canals, should consider an active BAHI. Because the skin heals after surgery and is thus intact, it is a good alternative for people with soft tissue healing issues, diabetes, or skin or scar tissue scarring. To go for a BAHI, one must be at least five years old and have a healthy auditory nerve and cochlea.
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