Use of the Bone-Anchored Cochlear Stimulator (Baha) and Satisfaction among Long-Term Users

Abstract

The bone-anchored cochlear stimulator (Baha system) has been successfully used in the rehabilitation of patients with conductive/mixed hearing loss and unilateral severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss, more commonly known as single-sided deafness (SSD). Review of the literature revealed improvement in measured Baha-aided thresholds when compared to unaided responses. Only a few patient satisfaction studies in the literature reflect long-term follow-up findings. This article reviews the efficacy of Baha in a variety of patient diagnoses and reports on preliminary results of long-term patient satisfaction with Baha in 11 patients. A questionnaire was developed for this study that examines several dimensions of Baha use and practicality. The participants used the device for more than 1 year and responded to the questionnaire in writing or by telephone survey. The 30-item questionnaire probed several areas of interest: hearing performance; listening in groups; listening to music; localization; listening in large venues; and the pragmatic use of the device, such as requiring assistance to insert or remove the device, Baha satisfaction, sequelae to surgery, and change in participation limitation. For questions 1 to 30, the participant was asked to respond to the questions on a 5-point scale ranging from 1 (disagree strongly) to 5 (agree strongly) or to indicate ''not applicable.'' Nine additional questions explored whether the participants had other significant vision or medical conditions that might have an influence on the ability to adjust to Baha use.