Always infected

[JulieJones]

I received my Baha 4 years ago. I was so excited to finally be able to hear. I have only worn it a hand Full of times. For 2 years I was back at my doctor. From infection around the sight to infection pockets that he would have to drain. I would love to have mine removed. Can never sleep on my left side. My site is always draining.It is nasty and I hate it. I don't want to go back to my doctor. Would love a new one.

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Julie ~

Welcome to the ANA discussion forums. 

I moved your post to the Hearing Issues section where it will receive more views from those who may also have a BAHA, with or without the infection problems. 

I don't use a BAHA but yours is the first post I've seen (in 6 years) from a BAHA user that has experienced so many problems with the abutment implant. 

I hope your BAHA infection issues can be remedied, preferably allowing you to retain the BAHA unit, which markedly improves hearing ability. 

Jim

[PamJ]

Hi Julie what a shame to go through the operation for a BAHA and having trouble with it for four years I do hope the hospital can sort it out for you because they are so worth having.   Good Luck.

[leapyrtwins]

Julie -

I'm so sorry to hear this.

Stories like yours do happen, but they're not the norm.  For example, I've had my BAHA for almost 4 years now and have only had one minor infection.

I'm no BAHA expert, but I don't think getting a new one is the solution.  If it were me, I'd try to find out why you are experiencing infections.  Are you allergic to the titanium?  Do you have an infection that just never clears up and thus recurs? 

I don't have the answer, but I encourage you to see a doc who specializes in infections; perhaps an infectious disease doctor (?)  Not sure if that's the correct doc or not.

Good luck,

Jan

[LizAN]

Julie,

That sounds miserable, and how disappointing for you!  I hope you can find a new doctor who will get your infection cleared up and allow you to enjoy your processor.  Where do you live, and which processor do you have?  Maybe you could go to the company's website and find another doctor in your area?  Let me know if I can help.

Liz

[4cm in Pacific Northwest]

Used to have this when I used the cleaning brush that came in the Cochlear Baha kit. I do not use that brush anymore. I wash the abutment with shampoo and water and then rinse VERY well with a hand held shower nozzle - daily. I also occasional use a mild antiseptic, on a cotton ball, I picked up from Clare's which is used for pierced ears. I do not use that little cap to cover the abutment as I think it creates a moist environment for germs to grow.

I went over to a memory foam pillow as the regular  pillow did not allow me to sleep on the Baha side.

Also if the Baha is turned up too high it vibrates too much and irritates the skin. I keep my Baha  on a low setting when in noisy environments.

Taking those 3 actions cured it for me.

[jaylogs]

Hi Julie! So sorry you've been living with this issue for so long. I had major issues with mine when I first had it put in. I eventually had to take the abutment out, get plastic surgery to move my scalp around and get everything sewn shut and healed back up good before I tried again with putting the abutment back in.  Maybe that's something you can pursue, because it was definitely worth it being able to use my BAHA like I was supposed to! (Note: I didn't have the anchor screw moved, just the scalp).  Hope you do find so resolution though.  Take care and let us know how it goes!
Jay