Baha for children
Children born with middle or outer ear problems, or single sided deafness (SSD), can still benefit from bilateral hearing. Hearing is a vital part of a child’s learning process and it is of great importance to start the stimulation of speech and linguistic development as early as possible. For children with mixed or conductive hearing loss or SSD, bone conduction is a natural alternative. Children’s skulls are thinner and their bone is softer than an adult’s. Therefore, clinicians recommend that Baha® implant placement wait until the child’s skull is suitably thick and strong. Until recently, only uncomfortable metal steel spring headbands have been available as an option for children awaiting surgery. Although this variety of headband has been useful for many, it has, on occasion, proved difficult to wear for some children due to discomfort and difficulties keeping it in place. With the Baha® Softband a more practical and comfortable solution is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Baha® Softband*?
The Softband is an elastic band with a Baha sound processor connected to a plastic snap connector disc sewn into the band. The band is adjusted to the size of the child’s head with Velcro®. The plastic snap connector disc is held against the skin behind the ear, or at another bony location of the skull, through the pressure from the band. The sound travels from the sound processor, via the disc through the bone to the functioning inner ears. The band can be turned so that the connector is not always in the same position, thus avoiding discomfort for the child.
What is the minimum age for Baha® surgery?
Children’s skulls are thinner and softer than an adult’s. Therefore clinicians recommend waiting for Baha implant placement until the child’s skull is suitably thick and strong. Your clinician can advise you as to a suitable age for your child. Prior to receiving an implant, the Baha® Softband and Headband are available.
What if your child is too young for surgery?
The Softband is an elastic band with a Baha sound processor connected to a plastic snap connector disk sewn into the band. It can be used on a newborn baby. For older children we have the Baha Headband* – a metal spring with the sound processor attached and a plastic snap connection. Both the Softband and the Headband are temporary solutions and are intended for use until the child is old enough for surgery.
Do children with Baha® need special care?
Children with Baha should be treated as their caregiver treats any other child. They need to practice good hygiene and be supervised by responsible adults who also ensure that the care and maintenance instructions are followed.
* The Headband and Softband work in the same way as a conventional bone conductor, with the signal being weakened as it passes through the skin (attenuation). The audiological indications are therefore not the same as for any of the Baha sound processors when attached to an osseointegrated implant. If they are used during the implant healing process, they must not be placed on top of the abutment or implant as this might jeopardize osseointegration.