Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) in SoCal SoCal’s Otolaryngology Experts
Hearing loss can impact nearly every aspect of life, from conversations with loved ones to participation in social and professional settings. If you are coping with single-sided deafness, conductive hearing loss, or conditions that make traditional hearing aids ineffective, a bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) offers a transformative, life-long solution.
At Southern California Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy (SoCal ENT), we specialize in university-caliber hearing care delivered in a compassionate, patient-focused setting. Our expert ENT surgeons and audiologists offer the latest bone anchored hearing technology, ensuring you receive the highest quality care for your hearing needs. If you’re struggling with hearing loss and conventional aids haven’t worked, a BAHA device may be the answer.
Schedule a consultation with our team today to explore if this innovative hearing solution is right for you.
A bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) is a hearing device that transmits sound through bone conduction rather than the traditional air conduction pathway. Unlike conventional hearing aids that amplify sound through the ear canal, a BAHA system bypasses the outer and middle ear, delivering sound vibrations directly to the inner ear.
This system consists of two main components:
This device is a life-changing alternative for those who cannot wear in-ear or behind-the-ear hearing aids due to anatomical issues, allergies, or chronic infections.
At SoCal ENT, we use the Ponto System by Oticon Medical, a state-of-the-art bone-anchored hearing system designed for exceptional sound quality and comfort. This innovative device sits discreetly behind the ear and transmits sound through bone conduction, delivering a clear, natural hearing experience without blocking the ear canal. Compared to traditional bone conduction hearing aids, the Ponto System offers superior clarity, even in noisy environments, making it easier to follow conversations and stay engaged in social settings.
The lightweight, comfortable design ensures a secure fit without placing pressure on the skin or skull, enhancing long-term wearability. With full wireless connectivity, users can seamlessly integrate their hearing device with smartphones, TVs, and other modern technology for a truly connected experience.
The Ponto 4 processor, one of the smallest and most discreet bone-anchored sound processors available, provides reliable performance with an open sound experience that mimics the way the brain naturally processes sound. Built with the same advanced technology as premium hearing instruments, the Ponto System is a trusted choice for those seeking cutting-edge hearing solutions with lasting results.
Your treatment will begin with an in-depth consultation. The expert team at SoCal ENT will take the time to understand your unique hearing challenges and guide you through your options. Your visit will include a thorough hearing evaluation, a discussion of your medical history, and advanced diagnostic testing to determine whether BAHA is the right solution for you. Our specialists will walk you through the procedure, expected results, and recovery process, ensuring you feel informed, confident, and supported every step of the way.
BAHA implantation is an outpatient procedure performed under local or general anesthesia. Here’s what you can expect:
After the initial healing process is complete, your audiologist will fit and program your external processor to ensure optimal hearing performance based on your needs.
A BAHA device is an excellent solution for individuals who have at least one functioning inner ear and struggle with certain types of hearing loss. This includes:
For individuals with complete hearing loss in one ear, BAHA helps by capturing sound from the weaker side and transmitting it to the functioning ear. This improves sound localization, speech clarity, and awareness in noisy environments.
People with conductive hearing loss experience issues in the outer or middle ear, preventing sound from effectively reaching the inner ear. This can be due to:
Since BAHA bypasses these obstructions and directly transmits sound through bone, it can significantly improve hearing clarity.
For individuals who cannot tolerate traditional hearing aids due to ear infections, drainage issues, or allergies, BAHA provides an open-ear solution that does not block the ear canal. This reduces the risk of irritation while delivering consistent, high-quality sound.
You may be an ideal candidate if you:
Some conditions that may benefit from a BAHA include:
If you’re unsure whether BAHA is right for you, our specialists at SoCal ENT can evaluate your hearing and determine the best treatment plan for your needs.
Our specialists will provide detailed information about what to expect at each stage of your treatment, ensuring you feel supported and confident throughout your journey to clearer hearing.
Healing time following the implant procedure varies, but most patients can expect a three-week to three-month recovery period before their external sound processor can be attached and activated. After the initial healing, your audiologist will fine-tune the device for optimal sound clarity.
It is normal to experience gradual improvements as you adjust to this new way of hearing. With proper care and follow-ups, BAHA provides long-term, life-changing benefits.
With a bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA), you’ll experience clearer, more natural hearing that helps you stay connected to the world around you.
Unlike traditional hearing aids, BAHA bypasses the outer and middle ear, sending sound directly to your inner ear through bone conduction. Once activated, you’ll notice sharper speech clarity, making conversations easier to follow—even in noisy environments. You’ll also regain a sense of direction in sound, helping you distinguish where noises are coming from. Plus, the discreet, behind-the-ear design blends seamlessly with your hairline, so you can enjoy better hearing without drawing attention to the device.
Your BAHA implant is built to last a lifetime, integrating naturally with your bone for a stable, reliable hearing solution. While the implant itself never needs replacement, the external sound processor may need an upgrade every five to seven years to keep up with the latest technology. With proper care, you’ll enjoy lifelong benefits—clearer conversations, greater awareness, and renewed confidence in social settings. And if you ever need an adjustment or upgrade, SoCal ENT is here to support you every step of the way.
The healing process takes between 3 weeks to 3 months before the external sound processor can be connected. Once activated, you will gradually adapt to the new sound experience.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort. The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, and post-surgical discomfort is usually mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Yes, but you should remove the external sound processor before swimming or showering. The titanium implant is waterproof, but the processor should stay dry.
For individuals with conductive hearing loss, SSD, or chronic infections, BAHA is often more effective because it bypasses the outer and middle ear.
The titanium implant is permanent, but the external processor may need to be upgraded every 5-7 years to keep up with new technology.
Contact SoCal ENT today to schedule an evaluation with our hearing specialists. We’ll assess your hearing, discuss treatment options, and determine if BAHA is right for you.
