Bone Anchored Hearing Devices

Bone anchored hearing devices are used to treat different hearing conditions than cochlear implants. Patients who experience conductive hearing loss (the outer or middle ear does not transmit sound effectively), single-sided deafness or mixed hearing loss may be ideal candidates for bone anchored systems.

Unlike those who qualify for cochlear implants, candidates for a bone anchored hearing device have a functioning cochlea, but their condition prevents sound from travelling to it. Bone anchored devices bypass the dysfunctional middle or outer ear to send sound waves directly to the cochlea.

The two-part system includes a bone implant and external sound processor. During the procedure, the implant is installed into a bone behind the ear. After a brief period of healing during which the implant integrates with the bone, the device is activated, or turned on, by your audiologist.