How long for a BAHA?

[GiangTran]

Hi
My name is Giang, I am from Vietnam. I have been to the U.S. For 6 years.
I am SSD on my left side since I was born. Another thing I have to suffer is my terrible English. I did not know the affections of SSD until several months ago, I find out them on the internet. I wondered why my social abilities was so bad, and couldn't find the answers.
My insurance is only medical, I have to do very slow steps to process the BAHA. First, I had to see the family doctor, she refered me to specialist doctor. Then, I took hearing tests and got referal to Standford Hospital. Each step I have to wait for permission of my insurance. I don't know how long it take until I finally get the BAHA.
I am about to transfer to UC in next fall (end of September). UCLA (Los Angeles) and UCSD (San Diego) accepted me as major of computer science. I really want to go on of them to pursuit my academic eventhough It is very challenging for me.
I want to ask how long it take from the surgery to able to wear the BAHA device?
Sorry for my English

Thank you
Giang

[alabamajane]

Hi, welcome,,
I believe I waited about 8 weeks. Surgery, very minor, was in late October and activation was end of December. Not sure if that is required timeframe or mostly Doctor scheduling.

Good luck with getting your decision from insurance.

Jane

[arizonajack]

My insurance is only medical, I have to do very slow steps to process the BAHA. First, I had to see the family doctor, she refered me to specialist doctor. Then, I took hearing tests and got referal to Standford Hospital. Each step I have to wait for permission of my insurance. I don't know how long it take until I finally get the BAHA.

If you want to eliminate that hassle and get immediate relief from SSD I suggest you find about $3000 somewhere and buy yourself a set of BiCROS hearing aids.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=bicros+hearing+system

[TomB66]

 It depends on the surgery and the device you choose, as well as how well you recover. Infection can set you back. But the short of it is one manufacturer will take up to three months Before you get your device, and another manufacturer you have your device one in six weeks.

[Sheba]

Hi Giang, I admire your attitude !

I attended a presentation by a lady from Oticon, they make a hearing device for SSD which competes with the "BAHA" product; it is also a bone anchored device.

She said, they don't recommend that patients describe it as a hearing aid when they talk to the insurance company.  They help patients with the insurance approval process - they describe it as an implant with a sound processor - by calling it an implant, the medical insurance will cover the procedure. 

I think it will be exciting for you to get sound from the deaf side!!  I have only been deaf in one ear for four weeks but I look forward to what these devices can do for us !

[leapyrtwins]

Sheba -

just wanted to clear up some confusion .  Both Oticon and Cochlear make the product you are referring to in your post - and both companies call it a BAHA.  The BAHA devices (tiny hearing aid that attaches to the titanium post implanted into the skull) manufactured by Oticon and Cochlear look a little different but they work the same way.  At the moment, Cochlear is making the smallest BAHA device on the market - I upgraded to it myself about a year ago - it's called the BAHA5 and it's awesome.

Best,

Jan

[leapyrtwins]

Giang -

I had my BAHA implant surgery in March 2008 and at the time I had to wait for 3 months until I could start wearing the device.  My device is manufactured by Cochlear.  A few years ago Cochlear changed their "equipment" and now recipients of their BAHA can start wearing the device much sooner - I believe it's approximately 6 weeks.  I can't speak for Oticon BAHAs - since I have limited knowledge of them. 

Getting the BAHA implant was one of the most wonderful things I've ever done.  I love my BAHA; couldn't live without it.

Good luck,

Jan