Posts Tagged ‘Bone’

Lets Talk About the Bone Anchored Hearing Aid

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

[eba kw="sonic hearing aids" num="1" ebcat=""]
Lately, people are searching the web for more information about sonic hearing aids. Great interest in sonic hearing aids has resulted in numerous websites on the subject.

You should learn as much as you can about sonic hearing aids. Find out all the facts about sonic hearing aids. To understand better you should do further research on sonic hearing aids.So what is this all about? Bone anchored hearing aid is a kind of hearing aid which is primarily based on bone conduction. This kind is specially made for people who suffer from conductive hearing losses, those with mixed hearing loss which cannot wear something on the ear, and those with unilateral hearing loss. The BAHA is a trademark.

How does this work? Actually, this contraption functions with the principle that it needs the use of an abutment in order to properly transfer sound through direct conduction through bone down to the inner ear, going around the middle ear and the external auditory canal. Inside the skull, a titanium post will be inserted though a little abutment is exposed outside the skin. The abutment embraces a small sound processor while it transfers sound vibration into the external abutment of the titanium implant. Actually, it is the implant that would vibrate the inner ear and the skull while on the other hand stimulating the nerve fiber within the inner ear to allow someone to hear.

Good news for patients because on recent years, bone anchored hearing aid surgical procedure had largely improve which results to more and more people availing of the procedure which is now being carried out under local, otherwise short general anesthetic. In view of this, a lot of patients can now leave the hospital after few hours after the procedure and they no longer require analgesia the subsequent day.

Moreover, any procedure does not come without a risk. Given that the titanium screw of the BAHA is located from outside of the bone, there is always the big chance that infection may occur. It is advised that daily care will be observed. One should use a very soft toothbrush to clean the post as well as the skin that surrounds it. Everyday use of antibiotic ointment like Polysporin should also be done in order to lessen the risk for infection.


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Cochlear Profit Rises 19% on Demand for New Bone Anchored Hearing Units

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

Cochlear Profit Rises 19% on Demand for New Bone Anchored Hearing Units
Cochlear Ltd. , maker of the world’s best-selling hearing implant, posted a 19 percent gain in full- year profit on demand for its new products.

Read more on Bloomberg

Bone Anchored Hearing Aid- Is it Right for You?

Monday, August 9th, 2010

[eba kw="bone conduction hearing aid" num="1" ebcat=""]
People have been searching on the internet on an increasing basis lately for bone conduction hearing aid. The attention recently given to bone conduction hearing aid has had a significant impact on various related websites.

You should learn as much as you can about bone conduction hearing aid. Obviously, one should learn as much as possible about bone conduction hearing aid. To understand better you can search the web for bone conduction hearing aid.A bone anchored hearing aid was developed back in 1977, but wasn’t approved for use in the U.S. until 1996. This aid works by being implanted in the bone, so that sound is conducted here rather than through the ear. It proves effective for many cases of conductive and mixed hearing loss, but does not offer much assistance for other types of hearing loss problems.

This aid has an implant, a sound processor, and an external abutment. Together, these parts create sound transmission through the bone, allowing people to hear things without needing the use of their actual middle ear or external canal.

Once the bone anchored hearing aid is put into place, it becomes a part of the bone over time. Vibrations are sent through the bone, which stimulates the nerves in the ear. Once the nerves have been stimulated, the person can hear.

Chronic ear infections, congenital middle ear defects, and those with a dislike for traditional hearing aids can all benefit from the bone implant. This will allow for the middle ear to be bypassed, which is great for suffers of ear infections, because it is known that no more damage will be done to the hearing because of the implant.

The bone anchored hearing aid is also useful in patients who only have one deaf ear. By implanting this device in the deaf ear, the sound is transferred from the deaf ear to the good ear, which offers a sensation of hearing in that ear. So many people can benefit from this great device, but it can prove to be an expensive investment.

Like many other hearing aids, this procedure is medical in nature but has very little support of the insurance companies. Therefore, you must make sure that this is the right treatment for you, but also that you can afford it.

The bone anchored hearing aid is probably the best device that is available for middle ear problems, unilateral deafness, and other people who couldn’t find solutions that suited them before. The implant is unnoticeable and doesn’t get in the way like a hearing aid might, and you don’t have to worry about it slipping out.

Once the device has been implanted, the process is complete and no readjustments are needed. If you suffer from any of these types of hearing loss, this device might benefit you.


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The Bone Anchored Hearing Aid

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

[eba kw="bone conduction hearing aid" num="1" ebcat=""]
Of late there has been an increasing interest in bone conduction hearing aid. The current interest in bone conduction hearing aid has resulted in numerous websites on the subject.

TaKe the time to fully investigate bone conduction hearing aid. Obviously, one should learn as much as possible about bone conduction hearing aid. To understand better you should do further research on bone conduction hearing aid.Usually for BAHA\’s, the hearing aid can only be used once the titanium fixture bonds with the surrounding tissue. It usually takes place within two to six months after implantation. This is more commonly termed as Osseointegration.

Patients that usually benefit and entertain the use of BAHA\’s are those with chronic supporative otitis media and those with congenital atresia of the external auditory canal, which is exacerbated severely by the presence of conventional air conduction hearing aids. Several trials have shown its efficiency in patients with a conductive or mixed hearing loss. In recent clinical trials though, the usage of BAHA\’s are already extended to patients with unilateral hearing loss. Potential candidates for the Bone Anchored Hearing Aid are patients who experiences from skin reaction to any type of ear mold. For some patients, it is not necessary that the benefits relate to hearing ability but for cosmetic or comfort improvements. The highest priority is given to children with congenital bilateral atresia of the external auditory canal and other congenital illness like the Down\’s syndrome. It also is a suitable prescription for people who have malformed ears or non protruding outer ear and ear canals such as Treacher Collins Syndrome or Microtia.

BAHA\’s are indicated for hearing loss from congenital hearing problems, Chronic Supporative Otitis Media, and otosclerosis for those who will not undergo stapedectomy but as a third treatment option. Pre-operative assessment of the air-bone gap size is very helpful in predicting if speech recognition will improve or otherwise with the BAHA in comparison to the air-conduction hearing aid.

There are several potential health benefits in using Bone Anchored Hearing Aids though; it is very strict that patients meet the criteria to maximize the clinical benefit. But priority is given to congenital cases in line with the results on research nowadays. However, there is a slight disadvantage in speech recognition and sound localization in noisy backgrounds for patients with unilateral hearing loss. The benefits for this are still inconclusive.

Although benefits are visible, there are also potential side effects to this procedure. Soft tissue damage is the commonest and the loss of fixture in the skull from its position as well. The titanium post is screwed from the outside and into the bone and due to the open wound, infections will always be a risk. A requirement to prevent these would be focused daily care. Use of ointments and antibiotics may help in minimizing infections.

There are improvements and innovations to the surgical procedures in recent years therefore resulting in being capable to have a single stage procedure done using local anesthesia. The day after the procedure has been done or even a few hours after, patients may be able to leave the hospital not even requiring analgesia in the succeeding days. The patient will also be given time to heal or for the Osseointegration process to take place. This is where caution is expected. Infection will prevent osseointegration to succeed. On the other hand, small children or babies sometimes require a double stage procedure to be carried out.

There are different models of the BAHA systems. The BAHA Cordelle, BAHA Divino and BAHA Intenso are the ones available today. The BAHA Cordelle is a body worn BAHA for those people needing more amplification. The BAHA Divino has a built-in directional microphone. The BAHA Intenso has more power and sound quality is clearer in all listening environments. The BAHA Classic and BAHA Compact will not be manufactured anymore as per February 2007 and July 2007 respectively.


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Getting Bone Anchored Hearing Aids

Monday, July 12th, 2010

[eba kw="hearing aids ratings" num="1" ebcat=""]
Lately, people are searching the web for more information about hearing aids ratings. The attention recently given to hearing aids ratings has spawned many new websites.

Of course, you should do a complete investigation on hearing aids ratings. Learn as much as you can about hearing aids ratings. To learn more you should search further on hearing aids ratings.Getting Bone Anchored Hearing Aids

Getting this type of hearing aid starts with a surgical procedure that imbeds a titanium implant with an external abutment onto the skull. A sound processor is located in the abutment. This processor works as the transmitter of sound, from external sources, to the abutment and then into the titanium implant. The implant then causes the inner ear and the skull to vibrate. This vibration activates the nerves of the inner ear, and causes it to hear.

The process of imbedding the titanium implant is called osseointegration. Bone anchored hearing aids can only be used two to six months after the osseointegration procedure. This is typically an easy one-stage procedure, using only a small amount of anesthesia. Patients can leave after a few hours of rest. The intake of pain relievers may be required for a couple of days.

Osseointegration is a generally safe procedure, with a success rate of above 95%. Failure can be caused by infection – but then, doctors can try the procedure again after curing infections and other side effects. In many of these procedures, the surgeon will put in a second idle receptacle. This idle receptacle will not be used until first one is damaged or fails.

Unlike adults, babies and toddlers go through two stages for the osseointegration procedure. In the first surgical stage, doctors peel back a one centimeter by one centimeter section behind the child’s ears, and then drill holes for the receptors. After six to eight months, the second surgery is done to attach the titanium implant.

For both children and adults, the wounds are allowed to heal for a couple of months before bone anchored hearing aids can be attached and used.

Who Can Get Bone Anchored Hearing Aids

In general, bone anchored hearing aids are for patients who cannot use the conventional hearing aids. They may have inflammation or infection in their ear canal. They may also suffer from malformed ear canals or outer ears. This type of hearing aid is also prescribed for people with deafness only in one ear. Likewise, this type of hearing aid is for people who suffer from bilateral conductive hearing loss because of ossicular diseases.

Risks in Getting Bone Anchored Hearing Aids

Since surgery is involved in getting this type of hearing aid, the patient risks contracting infection while the wound is still unhealed. The wound needs to be cleaned daily. A topical antibiotic should be applied in the affected area as the wound heals. Likewise, care should be taken with the titanium imbed. This should be cleaned daily with a soft brush. Its surrounding areas should also me disinfected regularly.

Care should be taken in handling the hearing aids. Even when these are designed to come off their posts, a slight impact may damage them. Cochlear Limited is the only manufacturer of this type of hearing aid for now. They offer warranty and repair within a period of time.

How Much Will It Cost

In terms of the hearing aid unit alone, cost can reach up to US$5,000. however, with the additional cost of hospitalization and surgery, expenses can add up to $35,000, on the average.

Hearing Aid Models

Since Cochlear Limited is the only current provider of this type of hearing aid, there are limited models to choose from:

1. BAHA Classic and BAHA Compact – These models have been discontinued because of developments in BAHA technology. They remain in use but with limited repair options.

2. BAHA Cordelle – This model is for those with severe hearing loss. Sound is amplified more. The Cordelle model is made up of a transducer and an additional attached unit that is worn around the body.

3. BAHA Divino – This model is digital BAHA model with built-in directional microphone.

4. BAHA Intenso – This model is supposedly the more powerful and clearer model. Feedback issues have also been reduced.


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The Insider Info About Bone Conduction Hearing Aid Devices

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

[eba kw="bone conduction hearing aid" num="1" ebcat=""]
Increasingly people are inquiring about bone conduction hearing aid. The current interest in bone conduction hearing aid has had a significant impact on various related websites.

You should learn as much as you can about bone conduction hearing aid. Obviously, one should spend as much time as possible fully understanding bone conduction hearing aid. To learn more you should search further on bone conduction hearing aid.Anybody that is hard of hearing should go and see a specialist in the matter of The Facts About Bone Conduction Hearing Aid Devices”>hearing aids. There have been many advancements in the bone conduction hearing aid field and there are many out there that can help you in your situation. There are many different brands and kinds to choose from. The use of a bone conduction hearing aid like any other type will not replace any hearing loss, it will only increase the sensitivity of the hearing for people that have a hard time doing so.
A bone conduction hearing aid is composed of a typical hearing aid that has been changed.
When this oscillator is placed against the skull ( usually behind the ear on the mastoid bone ), the sound vibration is carried thru the skull bone to both inner ears.
Both the dynamic range and the frequency range are limited, leading to sound similar to listening through a phone. Another drawback, which is specific to hearing by “bone conduction,” is the listener hears in “mono.” When the bone is vibrated in any location, the sound travels to both inner ears at almost the same time. This is the cause of heavy trouble in determining the positioning of the source of a sound.
Typical hearing aids slot in the ear canal and amplify sounds, which the hearing aid user then hears in the ordinary way. However , these hearing aids are not appropriate for everyone with a hearing loss. Bone conduction hearing aids offer a solution for them.
These vibrations are passed to 3 tiny bones in the middle ear, the ossicles, a process called air conduction. These in turn pass the vibrations across the oval window to the cochlea and the liquid it contains. Movement in this fluid bends the small hair cells along the length of the cochlea, generating signals in the auditory nerve. The nerve signals pass to the brain, which translates them as sound.
To date, bone conduction hearing aids have broadcast sound via a vibrating transducer applied either to peel ( transcutaneous ) or to bone ( percutaneous ). Sadly, these hearing aids possess a number of disadvantages, which include : cost, aesthetic appeal, a general analgesic for percutaneous aids, and most notably pressure discomfort to the side of the head.
Digital bone conduction hearing aids are manually programmed this optimizes the effectiveness to filter and amplify sounds. The bone conduction hearing aid is hooked up to a computer that has programs that adjust the processing feature. There is automatic volume control and it is made possible by using programmed sound resolution and the amplification feature. Filters is what helps block background noise and help deliver clear sounds for the user. When the digital bone conduction hearing aid had been developed mobile phones, ear phones, and wireless remote had been considered; all can be connected to it.
Digital bone conduction hearing aids can get rather pricey. If you are looking into obtaining one they can go for around a couple thousand dollars for one. If you happen to be interested you should consider all options carefully before you pay this kind of money. Bone Conduction Hearing aids have improved so much recently. They are the best way out there to receive some of your hearing back.


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Learn About Bone Conduction Hearing Aids

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

[eba kw="widex hearing aid" num="1" ebcat=""]
It is surprising how many people these days are seeKing information on widex hearing aid. The attention recently given to widex hearing aid has spawned many new websites.

It would be wise to maKe extensive inquiries about widex hearing aid. Ultimately, maKe sure you completely understand widex hearing aid. To understand better you can do further research on widex hearing aid.So how do the bone conduction hearing aids differ from the conventional kind? Actually, the conventional hearing aid performs by amplifying the sound to make it louder to someone who wears the piece then the sound will be transported into the ear canal, otherwise the external auditory canal. The earmould of any conventional hearing aid will fit the ear canal since it operates with the concept that when this is well fitted, only those sounds that come from the device will enter the ear. This amplified sound is now going to be heard through the process called as the \’air conduction\’.

Now, how does the bone conduction hearing aid performs? As the name implies, it works by conducting sound into the bone within the skull. The wearer will be able to hear sounds when the vibration of sound is passed directly from the vibrating component going to into the skull down to the cochlea. An example of how bone conduction work is when you wear earplugs, you will realize that when you speak, your voice is still fairly loud. It should be known that hearing by means of bone conduction is not as efficient if you hear it through air conduction that is why, this option is only given to those people who cannot use the conventional hearing aid.

Any person who cannot wear the conventional hearing aid or those who cannot wear something on their ear canal perhaps because of continual infections; are the best candidate for the surgery.

Above anything else, consider the price of each surgery. Chances are, you cannot go with something that will not fit your budget because above anything else, your target is to hear and not to spend your whole year income in just on surgery! Ask around for proper diagnosis and treatment, reliable doctors may consider various alternatives so the patient can properly choose which among will best go with their personal needs.

Like any other, bone conduction hearing aids should be taken proper care because it is subjected to damage and failures specially when handed down by a careless individual. Your doctor will have to tell you the ways to properly take care of them, if they failed to tell you so, get the initiative to start asking because they would definitely want to be a help.


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Bone Anchored Hearing Aids Making Sounds a Lot Clearer

Saturday, June 19th, 2010

[eba kw="hearing aid ratings" num="1" ebcat=""]
Lately, people are searching the web for more information about hearing aid ratings. Curiousity about hearing aid ratings has led to much internet interest.

Of course, you should do a complete investigation on hearing aid ratings. Finally, you should perform complete research on hearing aid ratings. To learn more you can search the web for hearing aid ratings.Bone anchored hearing aids, more commonly known as BAHA, is a type of hearing aid that is used by people who do not suit well with the non-implantable type of the device. It has been used successfully since the 70′s and is currently seen as a good option for those who suffer from particular causes of hearing loss. Because of the efficacy and safety of the product, it is currently used worldwide and is believed to bring great relief among many people who suffer from hearing problems. Use And OperationHearing aids are surgically placed to transmit sound through bone conduction. The sounds perceived travel to the inner canal bypassing the external and middle parts of the ear. The BAHA has three main parts, namely: the implant, the outer abutment, and the sound processor. The three parts work hand in hand to improve the transmission of sound in the bone. BAHA provides a pathway for sound to penetrate in different parts of the ear. The first part, the titanium post, is put in place through a surgical procedure. It is embedded into the skull with a minute piece of gadget exposed in the external skin. The processor transfers sounds through the outer abutment which then sends the vibrations through the bone. The implant sends quivers in the skull bone which alerts nerve fibers in the inner ear. Hearing is then allowed after these series of steps. Osteointegration, the time at which titanium bonds with the surrounding tissue, needs to be complete before the hearing aid can be used. A period of two to six months is normally needed for this process to complete. Candidates For The ProcedureNot all individuals with hearing problems are subject to this type of hearing device. However, it can help a lot of people such as those suffering from conductive and unilateral hearing losses. This type of hearing aid also makes hearing possible for those who are afflicted with chronic infections or inflammation of the ear. More often than not, these people cannot wear the standard hearing aid and are therefore subjected to this type of treatment. Those individuals with no outer ear because of malformation are also a candidate for BAHA. Conditions like Microtia and Treacher Collins Disorder are subjected to this type of hearing device. People with Down syndrome are also advised with this type of hearing device to improve their quality of life. The BenefitsBAHAs are still hearing aids. But because they are implantable, they provide clearer and more natural sound than the traditional type. Since there are no blockages involved in the parts of the ear, hearing is made clearer with the use of this system. Another benefit is not having to replace batteries as often as a conventional hearing aid does. These surgical implants only require you to change batteries after a period of five years. Special remote controls are also employed so the hearing aid users can control the sounds coming in. Like other hearing devices, bone anchored hearing aids improve the quality of life of an individual. It promises to make positive changes in the life of an ill-person as well.


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Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (baha) What you Need to Know

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

[eba kw="widex hearing aids" num="1" ebcat=""]
Interestingly, there has been a lot of recent interest in widex hearing aids. The attention recently given to widex hearing aids has spawned many new websites.

You should learn as much as you can about widex hearing aids. Find out all the facts about widex hearing aids. To understand better you should search the web for widex hearing aids.The bone anchored hearing aid (or Baha) is a surgically implanted system for treating hearing loss. The system uses direct bone conduction, where sound is conducted through the bone rather than through the middle ear and has been used successfully since 1977. FDA approval in the United States came in 1996, allowing its use as treatment for conductive and mixed hearing loss.

The Baha has three main parts. There is an implant, an external abutment and a sound processor. These three parts work together to enhance natural bone transmission and provides a pathway for sound to enter the inner ear that bypasses the external auditory canal and middle ear.

The implant consists of a tiny titanium piece, which is put in place through a surgical procedure. It integrates with the natural skull bone over time. The sound processor transmits sound vibrations through the external abutment that sends the vibrations through to the bone. The vibration of the skull and inner ear stimulate the nerve fibers in the inner ear, allowing hearing.

Who is a candidate for the Baha?

The Baha is a good solution for people who have suffered hearing loss due to chronic ear infections or congenital middle ear defects. The device bypasses the outer and middle ear areas to get to the inner ear. As long as the inner ear is intact and functions properly, the Baha can be successfully used. Those who continue to suffer from ear infections will find that the device does not aggravate the situation as other types of hearing aid often do. People who have congenital defects that prevented good hearing will find excellent results when using the Baha.

The bone anchored hearing aid is also a good option for those who have trouble adapting to the feel of a traditional hearing aid. Not only does it alleviate discomfort problems but it can also help relieve problems related to feedback and amplification that are resolved when using the Baha.

What about those with deafness in one ear?

One of the best things about the Baha is that it helps those with a deaf ear. Prior to Baha, people with unilateral deafness did not have many satisfactory options for improved hearing. Recently, the Baha was cleared by the FDA as a solution for unilateral deafness. The Baha hearing aid is placed on the side of the deaf ear. It transmits sounds from the deaf ear to the normal ear, resulting in a sensation of hearing in the deaf ear.

What are the best features of the Baha?

No other type of hearing aid can adequately address the specific needs of those with outer and middle ear problems as well as deafness in one ear. The bone anchored hearing aid is much more comfortable than most types of hearing aid. Once it is properly implanted, the Baha is unobtrusive and often undetectable. The Baha cant slip or loosen, as other normal hearing aids tend to do from time to time. There is nothing to re-fit. Once implanted it is ready.


Only one out of five people who could benefit from a hearing aid actually wears one. There are many types of hearing aids to suit almost every type and degree of hearing loss, and budget. Check out our hearing aids comparison at www.abouthearingaid.com/home