Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA)

The bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) is a surgical implant used to treat certain types of hearing loss. In most cases, it takes about 1 month for the bone to grow around the titanium implant and make it secure. After 1 month, you will have a clinic visit with the audiologist (hearing specialist) to fit the sound processor and confirm that it is working.

After Surgery

Most patients do not need to stay overnight in the hospital. You should receive a BAHA after care kit when you are discharged.

Incision Care

• You may remove the cup-like dressing and gauze 24 hours after surgery.

• You will have a sponge dressing around the implant (abutment) site with a round plastic cap attached to the abutment. This sponge dressing and cap will stay in place for 10 – 14 days. You will have a clinic visit at that time and the sponge dressing and cap will be removed.

• You may shower 24 hours after surgery but avoid shampoo and water on the abutment incision until your first follow-up clinic visit.

• You should wash your hair the morning of your first clinic visit. Getting the sponge dressing wet that day will make it easier to remove.

• Check your wound for any signs of infection. Watch for redness, swelling, pain, warmth at the site, or pus-like drainage. Call the ENT Clinic with any of these symptoms or any other concerns you have before your first follow-up clinic visit.

Activity

• Avoid strenuous activity such as jogging and aerobics for 2 weeks, or as advised by your doctor.

• Do not drive or drink alcohol while taking pain pills.

Who to Call

ENT Clinic
Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
(608) 263-6190

After hours and weekends, this number is answered by the paging operator. Ask for the ENT doctor on call. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.

If you live out of the area, please call 1-800-323-8942.