Bone-anchored hearing aids are implantable devices that treat hearing loss. Unlike regular hearing aids, bone-anchored hearing aids work by directly stimulating the inner ear through the bone. According to the University of California Irvine Department of Otolaryngology, physicians insert bone-anchored hearing aids to improve hearing in patients with chronic ear infections, external ear canal malformations and one-sided hearing loss who cannot benefit from regular hearing aids.
Infection
Any operation can cause an infection. People undergoing insertion of bone-anchored hearing aids can develop a local wound infection as a complication of the procedure. According to the book "Head and Neck Surgery - Otolaryngology" by Byron Bailey, wound infections involving bone-anchored hearing aids are especially dangerous because there is a foreign body present at the infection site. The presence of the hearing aid makes it harder for the body to fight any wound infection.
Device Malfunction
The bone-anchored hearing aid device is fragile, and malfunction is a common complication. According to Cochlear, the developer of the implants, impact to the device during physical activity, exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures, or to water, can cause the device to malfunction. In addition, loose screws can also affect device function. The good news is that the manufacturer can repair most of those malfunctions.
Crusting
According to Cochlear, the devices must be cleaned daily. Failure to do so can result in crusting around the area that connects the sound processor to the bone-anchored unit, and decrease the comfort as well as sound quality. If severe enough, the parts may no longer fit together and the person would not receive sound amplification from the hearing aid.
References
- UC Irvine: Bone Anchored Hearing Aids
- "Head and Neck Surgery - Otolaryngology"; Byron Bailey; 2006
- Cochlear: Life With BAHA
