Future of Cochlear BAHA

[alabamajane]

I just went to a seminar this week by Cochlear,, very informative.
I am SSD and thinking of this type hearing solution ..not sure yet.

But among the many things I learned ,, Cochlear is expecting a new model BAHA to be approved  in Nov. by FDA,, (of course , that was before the shutdown ),,, but this processor will have wireless/BT capability that would "connect" to cell phone, iPod etc,, for those interested..plus I am sure some other upgrades,, which I don't remember ..

Then in mid 2014, they are looking at a magnetically attached BAHA with no outside abutment ,, much like the Cochlear implant does ,, but surgery would still be required..

Just an FYI for those researching  this option currently,,
Jane

[Lillygold]

I have heard about the magnetic one. They say you can have an MRI with it. I am thinking about what type of hearing device I want since my surgery. I don't like the idea of a thing outside my head to hang the device on. I have also thought about a Sound Bite.   

[alabamajane]

I didn't ask about MRI with the magnetic one, seems like you wouldn't be able to have MRI due to it being a magnet; however , I did ask about the current type with the titanium screw and you can with it,, will be interesting to see,, that's at least 6 months away though I guess ..
I have been SSD for two yrs now and it's not too bad really,, I too am unsure how I would like the abutment plus processor on side of head,,,,

[keithk]

I like the idea of a bluetooth Baha.

[leapyrtwins]

Thanks for the update, Jane.

Cochlear just released their new BAHA a week or two ago; I believe it's called the BAHA 4.

Am thinking of discussing an upgrade w/my audiologist.  Nothing wrong with my BP100, but my insurance company will cover an upgrade so I might take advantage of that.

Jan

[CHD63]

Oticon Medical is coming out with a similar new bone-anchored device.  See:  http://www.oticonmedical.com/Medical/About%20Oticon%20Medical/News/ponto-plus-launch-pr.aspx

I was under the impression my insurance would not pay for simply a new, better model for five years, but would pay for a new, upgraded one if it gave me better hearing.  Fortunately (maybe unfortunately) I still have excellent hearing in my good ear so my audiologist said she could not justify getting an upgrade yet.

Think I am going to look into the possibility on my own ..... sure would like to have the built-in telecoil and other cool features!

Clarice

[Smedina]

I'm scheduled to get my BAHA implant on Mon (2/4/14).  I was hoping to go magnetic, but my ENT told me that the magnet casts a shadow on the MRI that obscures where they'd need to monitor for any new AN.  But he also said a few years out, one we were confident that there was no AN issue, it would be possible to swap the abutment for the magnetic.  We'll see about that.  In the meantime, I'm looking forward to going bionic. 

[james e]

Just trolling through here today...how did your implant go? I had mine done during my AN surgery, but the doc covered it up to reduce the chance of infection. He opened my scalp 3 months later to expose the abutment. Do you still have to wait 90 days or did they reduce the time? Time will go by pretty fast and then you will be bionic.

James

[Smedina]

Thanks, James.  The procedure went fine.  The weather could have been a little more cooperative, but I made it to the hospital and back without a hitch.

I had a gauze/headband/protective cup over the implant site that I removed the next day.   I have a second dressing that comes off next week at my post-op visit.  It's a 6 week wait for the activation- I'm scheduled for the end of March. 

The only limitation is that I can't get the site wet until that 2nd dressing comes off.

[leapyrtwins]

Glad things went well with your implant.

Hope you love your BAHA as much as I love mine 

Jan

[Smedina]

Thanks, Jan.  Me too!  I'm excited about all of the wireless/bluetooth options...Counting the days...

-Sam

[keithk]

I just found out last night Cochlear is working on a Baha 5. It will have a different shape along with being wireless.