Baha opinion

[Richey]

I am considering this option for SSD. The only doctor in our area that does this is at a state medical college and he also does them for our local VA hospital. Being a vet this option is best for my pocket book. He told me that he has been doing about a dozen baha procedures a year.
  I know in AN sugery that choosing a doctor with a lot of surgeries under their belt is important but with the baha I see it as a pretty simple procedure that is as much mechanical as medical except for the sedation. That being said I think that being local might outweigh traveling a great distance for someone who has done more of these procedures. The VA hospital is listed as one of the Baha centers for our state.
  What you think?

[lori67]

Hi Richey,

Are you in Virginia by any chance?  I ask because I'm getting ready to move back there and the only place I found on line that handles BAHA's is EVMS.  I've heard good things about them, so that's where I plan on going if I need any BAHA servicing when I get there.

You're right, the BAHA surgery is quite simple, especially compared to the AN surgery itself.  It can be done as a local or with general anesthesia.  I think I'd feel comfortable having the VA do it, but I think I'd make sure they've done a few first - wouldn't want to be their very first!   

Lori

[mikjul1]

Hi Richey, the Baha is a great hearing tool for SSD people you will not go wrong in your discission. 

[Richey]

Not in Virginia, Lori. I'm from SC, but the VA facility is in Augusta, Ga.

[mikjul1]

Medical University Hospital Authority
Dept Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery
135 Rutledge Ave Rm #216 Box 250582
Charleston, SC 29425
United States
Telephone: 843-792-3531
Website: www.muschealth.com/medical_services/specialty_listing/spec_audiology/
Contact: Abby Connell

Lowcountry Balance & Hearing, LLC
874 Orleans Rd., Suite #1
Charleston, SC 29407
United States
Telephone: 843-737-6174
FAX: 843-737-6175
Contact: drking@lowcountrybalance.com

Charleston ENT Assoc, LLC
1849 Savage Rd
Charleston, SC 29407
United States
Telephone: 843-766-7103
FAX: 843-763-3834
Website: www.charlestonent.com
Contact: Karen Moore


University of South Carolina
CI Program
1601 St Julian Pl
Columbia, SC 29204
United States
Telephone: 803-777-2614
FAX: 803-253-4143
Website: http://sph.sc.edu/cochlearprogram/
Contact: Nikki Herrod Burrows

Augusta VA Medical Center                   
1 Freedom Way
Augusta, GA 30904
United States

Here are some places Richey They all do the Baha there.

[leapyrtwins]

Richey -

you'll love the BAHA.

As Lori said, the surgery is quite simple, but you definitely want someone who has done at least a few.

I think the resources Mike is giving you are from the Cochlears America website; they list providers.

Good luck,

Jan

[mikjul1]

Yes it is the list Cochlear gives you for providers.

[Richey]

Thanks for your replies, Mike the list you printed does include the VA facility that I'm talking about. The same doctor does them for the VA and The Medical College of Georgia. Most all of The South Carolina locations are near Charleston and I'm much Closer to Augusta than Charleston.

[tenai98]

Being a CHAMPVA recipient, one needs to find a hospital that accepts VA.  MY late hubby was a 100% disable vet (Im Canadian0 I'm on the lucky side.  In Canada the BAHA is not covered under our medical program, but the VA will cover up to 75% of the allowable amount.  Here the BAHA cost $6000.00...
JO

[wendysig]

Hi Richey,

I just thought I'd add my two cents worth.  As Jan, Lori and Mike have said, BAHA surgery is a simple procedure.  If you are comfortable with the idea and the number or surgeries this doc has done, my advice is that you go for it.  You will be glad you did!

Wendy

[leapyrtwins]

I agree with Wendy.

Go for it, Richey.

You won't be sorry.

BAHAs rock! 

Jan

[Richey]

I went to the baha clinic at the VA today and had an evaluation and tried out the demo. It was quite impressive. I could hear very good from my deaf side to my hearing ear, every bit as good or better than my cross over hearing aid. I had tried demos before and was not sure but this one must have been a different type. The audio tech was very good and seemed to have a good understanding of the whole process. She did say that they have not seen any of the new processors yet and that she could not say for sure which model would be used but was confident that they would all work well for me.

They will call me with a pre-op appointment and we will go from there, just have to wait and see how long the process takes to complete.

[Sefra22]

I'm glad you liked the demo, Richey. Isn't technology great!

Lisa

[mikjul1]

Great Richey, You will not be sorry getting the surgery it is easy. Good luck on your process in getting everything ready keep us informed. http://professionals.cochlearamericas.com/sites/default/files/E81528Cochlear%20BahaBP100DatasheetJUL09.pdf   show this to your Dr. the new BP100 coming out in Aug. it is replacing the Divino hope this helps. 
                                                           Mike Corso

[leapyrtwins]

Richey -

glad you liked the demo - most do.  Let us know when you have a surgery date.

Best,

Jan