Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) in SoCal SoCal’s Otolaryngology Experts
Lifelong hearing clarity with advanced bone anchored technology.
Lifelong hearing clarity with advanced bone anchored technology.
Hearing loss affects more than sound—it influences connection, confidence, and quality of life. For individuals living with single-sided deafness, conductive hearing loss, or conditions where traditional hearing aids fall short, a bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) can be truly life-changing.
At the Southern California Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy (SoCal ENT), we bring together advanced medical expertise with compassionate, patient-centered care. Our experienced ENT surgeons and audiologists specialize in the latest bone anchored hearing technologies, offering precision diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and comprehensive support every step of the way.
If conventional hearing aids haven’t provided the clarity you need, a BAHA implant may offer a permanent, natural-sounding solution. Schedule a consultation with our expert team today and take the first step toward hearing — and living — without limits.
A bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) is an advanced hearing solution that transmits sound through bone conduction, bypassing the outer and middle ear to deliver sound directly to the inner ear. Unlike traditional hearing aids that rely on amplifying sound through the ear canal, a BAHA provides clearer, more natural hearing by directly stimulating the auditory nerve.
The system includes two main components:
For patients unable to use standard hearing aids due to anatomical differences, chronic ear infections, or skin sensitivities, a bone anchored hearing aid offers a life-changing, comfortable, and long-term alternative for restoring hearing clarity.
At SoCal ENT, we proudly offer the Ponto System by Oticon Medical—a state-of-the-art bone anchored hearing solution known for its exceptional sound clarity, comfort, and seamless design. This innovative device rests discreetly behind the ear, transmitting sound through bone conduction for a clear, natural listening experience without obstructing the ear canal.
Compared to traditional bone conduction hearing aids, the Ponto System delivers superior speech understanding and sound localization, even in challenging or noisy environments. Patients enjoy easier conversations, greater confidence, and improved engagement in both social and professional settings.
Lightweight and ergonomically designed, the Ponto System ensures comfortable, secure wear without skin pressure or irritation. Its wireless connectivity allows effortless integration with smartphones, televisions, and other digital devices—keeping users connected to the world around them.
Featuring the Ponto 4 processor, one of the smallest and most discreet bone anchored processors available, this system offers an open sound experience that mirrors how the brain naturally interprets sound. With the same advanced platform found in Oticon’s premium hearing instruments, the Ponto System provides cutting-edge performance and lasting reliability for those seeking a modern, life-enhancing hearing solution.
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation at SoCal ENT, where our specialists take time to understand your hearing concerns and lifestyle needs. During this visit, you’ll receive a detailed hearing evaluation, medical history review, and advanced diagnostic testing to confirm whether a bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) is the right solution for you. Our expert team will explain the entire process—from surgery to recovery—so you feel fully informed, comfortable, and confident in your decision.
The BAHA implantation is a safe, outpatient procedure typically performed under local or general anesthesia. Here’s what you can expect:
Once healing is complete, your audiologist custom-fits and programs your external sound processor, fine-tuning it for optimal clarity, comfort, and performance. Most patients experience an immediate improvement in hearing once the device is activated, helping them reconnect effortlessly with the world around them.
A bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) is ideal for individuals with at least one healthy inner ear who experience hearing loss that cannot be corrected with conventional hearing aids. By transmitting sound through bone conduction, this technology offers clear, natural hearing for several types of hearing loss and ear conditions.
For those with complete hearing loss in one ear, a BAHA system captures sound from the impaired side and transmits it to the functioning ear. This restores balanced hearing, enhances speech clarity, and improves sound localization, especially in noisy or crowded environments.
Individuals with conductive or mixed hearing loss experience disruptions in how sound travels through the outer or middle ear. Common causes include:
Because BAHA bypasses these barriers, it can directly stimulate the inner ear for noticeably clearer, more reliable hearing.
Patients who cannot tolerate traditional hearing aids due to chronic drainage, infections, or allergies often benefit from BAHA’s open-ear design. This approach keeps the ear canal unobstructed, minimizing irritation while providing consistent, high-quality sound and all-day comfort.
A bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) offers a breakthrough solution for patients seeking natural, reliable hearing without the limitations of traditional devices.
By utilizing the body’s natural bone conduction pathway, BAHA offers a clearer, more natural listening experience and greater comfort for long-term use.
A bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) may be an excellent option if you have at least one functioning inner ear and experience hearing loss that cannot be corrected with traditional hearing aids. This advanced device is designed for patients who need a stable, long-term solution that bypasses issues in the outer or middle ear while preserving natural sound quality.
You may be an ideal candidate if you:
Some medical conditions that may benefit from a BAHA include:
If you’re unsure whether BAHA is right for you, the specialists at SoCal ENT can perform a detailed hearing assessment and guide you toward the most effective hearing restoration options for your individual needs.
At SoCal ENT, your comfort and confidence are our priority throughout every phase of your hearing restoration journey. Our specialists provide personalized guidance before, during, and after your procedure, ensuring you know exactly what to expect and feel fully supported along the way.
Recovery following BAHA implantation is typically straightforward. Most patients experience a healing period of three weeks to three months before the external sound processor is attached and activated. Once your audiologist programs the device, you’ll begin hearing through bone conduction—often noticing immediate improvement in clarity and awareness.
As your brain adapts to this new way of hearing, sound quality and perception will continue to improve gradually over time. With consistent care, follow-up visits, and device maintenance, your BAHA system can deliver lifelong, reliable hearing improvement and a renewed sense of connection to the world around you.
A bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) offers a powerful, long-term improvement in hearing clarity and quality of life. Once activated, most patients notice immediate enhancements in sound perception, allowing them to stay more engaged and confident in conversations and daily activities.
Unlike traditional hearing aids, BAHA works by bypassing the outer and middle ear to deliver sound directly to the inner ear through bone conduction. This results in sharper speech clarity, improved sound localization, and a more natural listening experience—even in busy or noisy environments. The discreet, behind-the-ear processor blends seamlessly with your hairline for an elegant, unobtrusive fit.
Your titanium implant integrates securely with the bone, providing a stable and lifelong foundation for hearing improvement. While the implant itself is permanent, the external sound processor may be updated every five to seven years as technology evolves. With proper care and ongoing support from SoCal ENT, you can expect lasting hearing clarity, effortless communication, and renewed confidence in every aspect of your life.
The healing process ranges from 3 weeks to 3 months before the external sound processor can be connected. Once it's activated, you'll start to adjust to your new sound experience gradually.
Most patients report only minimal discomfort. The procedure is done under local or general anesthesia, ensuring comfort during the process. After surgery, any discomfort is generally mild and can be effectively managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Yes, but remember to take off the external sound processor before swimming or showering. While the titanium implant is waterproof, keeping the processor dry is important for its proper function.
For those dealing with conductive hearing loss, single-sided deafness (SSD), or persistent infections, the Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) can be a game-changer. Unlike traditional aids that amplify sound through the ear canal, BAHA works by directly transmitting sound vibrations to the inner ear. This method bypasses the outer and middle ear completely, offering clearer sound quality and improved hearing experiences. It's especially beneficial for individuals whose conditions make conventional hearing aids less effective. By focusing on direct bone conduction, BAHA provides a more reliable solution for those facing these specific auditory challenges.
The external processor might require an upgrade every 5-7 years. This ensures you continue to enjoy enhanced performance and improved features over time. Embracing these updates allows you to take full advantage of cutting-edge innovations in the field, maintaining optimal functionality and experience without altering the fundamental implant itself.
Reach out to SoCal ENT for a personalized evaluation with our hearing specialists. We'll carefully assess your hearing, explore suitable treatment options, and help you determine if a Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) is the best choice for your needs. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate care and clear guidance throughout your journey to better hearing. Contact us today to take the first step toward improved auditory health.
