A bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) is a hearing device which is implanted onto the temporal bone of the skull. The device transmits sounds to the inner ear through the bone in the form of a vibration, and this sound can then be processed and interpreted. Sounds are usually transmitted through the external ear and into the inner ear through air and through the bones of the skull. By using the principle of bone conduction, the BAHA enhances bone transmission. The surgery involves implanting a titanium device onto the temporal bone and placing an abutment on the skin on the outside of the skull that the BAHA is then clipped on to.The titanium implant transmits sound by conduction through the bone, directly to the inner ear.

The abutment has a sound processor in place that transmits sound to the titanium implant. Through vibrations from the implant, the nerves in the inner ear can detect the sounds and enable improved hearing. The BAHA should be removed at night time and patients should also remove it when being exposed to water. Recommended for Conductive hearing loss Hearing loss in one of the ears Chronic ear infections Time requirements Number of days in hospital 1 . The procedure is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning patients can leave on the same day as the surgery. Number of trips abroad needed 2. Usually a small hole is drilled into the temporal bone and allowed to heal for around 8 weeks before the BAHA is fitted.