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Foundations of Baha Implants: Candidacy

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1.  Which patients with Single-Sided Deafness (SSD) may benefit from a Baha solution? Patients with some hearing loss in the better ear (defined as pure tone average for bone conduction at .5, 1. 2 & 3 kHz equal to or better than 65 dB) Patients with normal hearing in the better ear (defined as pure tone average for air conduction at .5, 1, 2 & 3 kHz equal to or better than 20 dB) Any patient with some hearing loss in only one ear None of the above

2.  Which patients with Mixed or Conductive Hearing Loss (MCHL) may benefit from a Baha solution? Any patient with a mixed hearing loss, no matter how poor the bone conduction thresholds Only patients with a conductive hearing loss with normal bone conduction (defined as pure tone average for bone conduction at .5, 1, 2 & 3 kHz equal to or better than 20 dB) Patients with a conductive or mixed hearing loss with bone conduction pure tone average (.5, 1, 2 & 3kHz) better than or equal to 65 dB Patients with cholesteatoma but not patients with atresia or microtia

3.  Considerations for considering bilateral treatment with Baha systems may include: The presence of a bilateral mixed or conductive hearing loss Symmetric bone conduction thresholds (defined as less than 10 dB difference on average or less than 15 dB difference at individual frequencies) A successful demonstration of bilateral Baha systems All of the above

4.  As opposed to a quick Baha demonstration, a full evaluation (including device fitting and speech perception testing) may be used to: Quantify the speech perception benefit that can be obtained with a Baha system Predict post-operative speech perception benefit Evaluate the sound processor fitting to determine which processor should be ordered for a candidate All of the above

5.  When performing an evaluation for candidates with Single-Sided Deafness (SSD), the following test set-up should be used: Speech and noise from front Speech and noise spatially separated with noise to the "bad" ear and speech to the "good" ear Speech and noise spatially separated with noise to the "good" ear and speech to the "bad" ear Speech in quiet only

6.  If performing a quick demonstration with Baha technology, professionals should: Use a Baha 5 Power sound processor when possible since the volume can be adjusted and programs can be set (if desired) for SSD and MCHL. Use only a Baha 5 sound processor since it is the smallest and most cosmetically-appealing Only use a SoundArc since other options do not give good sound quality Always also perform a full evaluation

7.  Benefits of a Baha take-home trial include: The ability for the patient to try a Baha system in a realistic and real-world setting The quickest-possible demonstration of Baha technology Objective information from questionnaires, if used, about how the Baha performed for the patient Both A & C

8.  When discussing Baha systems with candidates, it can be helpful to discuss the following advantages of Baha System over other treatment options: Baha systems are generally worn off the ear Baha systems provide stimulation through direct bone conduction Baha surgery provides predictable outcomes All of the above

9.  The Cochlear Concierge is available to: Test patients for candidacy Provide candidates with someone who can answer questions and/or guide them through the implant process Provide audiology-on-call support to professionals All of the above

10.  Osseointegration refers to: The Baha abutment Bone growth to the titanium implant Soft tissue growth to DermaLock All of the above