BAHA Results

[jimmy r]

I am one of 10 Acoustic Neuroma reoccurences from the House Ear Institute. I have lived 20 years with single sided deafeness and while it is a nuisance, I can't say it has ruined my quality of life. I am scheduled for surgey in April and I am considering the BAHA which can be inplanted at the same time. I am curious about  what other people that have this device think.  It sure is tempting. What are the pros and cons?

[Joef]

I had the BAHA done at house..

If I was younger, (single and more worried about my looks) .. I would not have it done .... If I was older .. and retired .. I would not have had it done .. but I'm middle aged ... married.. and really don't care about the looks of it ... I hear better at work (in a office) , If worked outside as a contractor or something I would think twice.  When I watch TV without it.. my wife complains about the volume.... and when I have it on .. she's turnning it up! ....

the first 3 months .. it looks horrible ..(because they shave a spot and its a little "scabby") .. and now it's hardly noticeable ... its not your "real" ear ... its wont be a "oh my god its wonderfull" ... but the "huhs?" will be fewer.. and you find you will miss it if you forget to wear it some day ..(I have done this) ...

the short answer... I would do it again in a heartbeat  !

[ixta]

hey Jeof, can you go swimming with that thing? Ive seen images of it embedded in skin but always wondered if one would electrocute themselves if they jump in a lake, instantly turning themselves into a boiled egg or something.

So like one day you decide to relax in the tub....













but sink below the mastoid, near where the electric mic is "mounted"...AYYYY!!

[nancyann]

Hey Ixta:  that bottom picture's gonna give me nightmares !!!!

[1wareagle]

Jimmy,

I got my BAHA abuttment installed at the time off my AN surgery 2 months ago. I get my device hooked up April 5. I have adjusted to the SSH better than I expected. I think the good ear just takes over and starts operating for 2. But I still miss hearing somethings. I was worried about the appearance at first but after all I have gone through it doesn't matter anymore. Like Joef said it's a ugly square in your head for 3 mts. till hair can grow over it. I used to wear a bandage over it but now I really don't care. I had more people asked what the bandage was for than what is that bald place in your head. Also the BAHA was included in the surgery from the hospital and my insurance paid.

Good Luck, Ellis

[jimmy r]

Thanks for the information. I am  not overly concerned about my appearance but do care a bit. If you can grow your hair over the hearing aid than that sounds ok. Any infections or other complications? I heard about the BAHA a year ago but decided not to do it becasue I didn't want the surgery. Now that I have to have surgery, I am seriously considering it.  I have lived with the deafness for 20 years but it sure would be nice not to have miss out on a lot.

[Joef]

its not to get the processor wet .., you take it off in the rain or showing ..etc.. It "pops" in or out like a lego ...

 the "bolt" stays in your head and you can swim or shower (good thing too!) ...

[puffycheeks]

Hi, I am scheduled for surgery tomorrow at St. Vincent's.  I have a reoccuring tumor and it came back bigger after exactly 1-1/2 years from my 1st surgery.  I am a patient of the House Ear Clinic.  I am also getting the BAHA and can not wait.  They will put in the abutment tomorrow also.  I guess since I went through this before, I am more prepared.  Taking my laptop, movies, puzzles and UNDERWEAR.....