BAHA Fell Out!

[powerteacher]

My sister was the first person to receive the BAHA inplant in Wisconsin about 15 years ago. For the last few weeks it has been horribly painful and this morning, it actually fell out.
Has anyone had this experience before?

She's seeing a specialist late this week, but I thought I'd see what if anything you'd have to say.
Thanks!
Nicole

[leapyrtwins]

This is HIGHLY unusual - especially after 15 years.

Typically the titanium rod that's sunken into the skull calcifies into the bone within 90 days (old implants) or earlier (new implants).  And once that happens it's pretty much a permanent fixture.

I have heard of cases where the titanium rod was implanted into bone that "wasn't sufficient" and a few weeks or months later it fell out because it never calcified to begin with.

I once read that in order to remove the rod from the skull once it's calcified they would have to actually cut out the section of skull that it was implanted into. 

I'm wondering if perhaps your sister has an issue with bone mass that's changed over time (if that's even possible). 

Let us know what her doc says.

Thanks,

Jan

[jaylogs]

Yeah, let us know what the deal is. Another option may be that the screw into the rod that holds the abutment on may have worked itself loose.  Either way, as Jan says that's not normal after 15 years.  Good luck!
Jay

[wanderer]

I heard a story where someone's implant fell out due to not keeping the site clean and an infection took hold.   But as far as I know that was just a story.

[leapyrtwins]

I heard a story where someone's implant fell out due to not keeping the site clean and an infection took hold.   But as far as I know that was just a story.

Sounds like just a story.

I'm not one to get infections, but I know some who do and no one has mentioned their implant falling out.

Would like to know from Powerteacher what's going on.  Perhaps I'll send her a PM.

Jan

[powerteacher]

The specialist was actually stunned that she still HAD the inplant in. Apparently, the model she had was not meant to last that long. I should have specified that she has never worn the receiver. Our mom forced her to get the inplant on doctor's recommendation. She has always read lips and found the aid to be too distracting. She did not have an infection and is totally fine. She does not intend to have another surgery.

Good luck Everyone!
Nicole

[leapyrtwins]

Thanks for the followup post, Nicole.

Glad to hear things are okay.

Jan

[mellowrama]

Sounds awful, like the bone didn't ossify.  I had to have my BAHA post drilled and cut out after 3 years of infection and would never consider having another one put in...perhaps time to try a non-invasive hearing aid like the cros.

[leapyrtwins]

I had to have my BAHA post drilled and cut out after 3 years of infection and would never consider having another one put in...

Sounds horrible; so sorry to hear this.

Just have to note though that this is NOT typical of BAHA implants (don't want to scare people away).

I've had mine since March 2008 and it healed quickly and without incident.  I've only had one very minor infection caused by an ingrown hair follicle (which is very common); never any other problems.

Love my BAHA,

Jan