BAHA
Pronunciation: BAH-hah
Also written as: BAHA — Bone Anchored Hearing Aid
A bone-anchored hearing aid that transmits sound through direct bone conduction via an implanted titanium fixture.
Full Definition
A Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) is a surgically implanted hearing device that bypasses the outer and middle ear by transmitting sound vibrations directly to the inner ear through bone conduction. The system consists of a titanium implant that osseointegrates with the temporal bone, an abutment that extends through the skin, and an external sound processor. BAHA devices are particularly beneficial for patients with conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, or single-sided deafness. In craniofacial surgery, BAHA implantation is often considered for patients with congenital ear abnormalities, chronic ear disease, or those who have undergone tumor resection affecting hearing structures.
Usage
Usage note: BAHA is a trademark term; generic alternatives include 'bone-anchored hearing device' or 'osseointegrated hearing aid.'
In Context
- "The patient is a candidate for BAHA implantation due to congenital aural atresia." — ENT consultation note
- "Post-operative BAHA activation will occur six weeks after implantation." — Pre-operative planning document