ANA Discussion Forum

General Category => Hearing Issues => Topic started by: AmandaRhoads on May 13, 2010, 10:19:34 pm

Title: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: AmandaRhoads on May 13, 2010, 10:19:34 pm
Hello Everyone! I just have a couple of questions for people who have the Baha Device.  ??? I have recently been seeing a specialist regarding my right ear being deaf. This is something I have been used to my whole life... so its not a sudden loss. I was told a hearing aid would never help, but the Baha would be able to. My question would be, do you think it will actually be beneficial for someone who is used to being dear, or would it be overwhelming and strange? Do you think I will actually notice a big enough difference to be happy with it? I know you would not be able to tell me exact yes / no answers, but I am hoping to find others that have been deaf for most of their life, who are very happy they decided to go through with the operation. Please, any comments will be beneficial, good or bad  :)  I am looking for the truth  :P
Also, being a young woman, I do have long hair that could cover the device. Will I constantly have to shave an area around the Baha for good... or is this only for the surgery? Thanks so much!
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: hjb4971 on May 13, 2010, 10:39:26 pm
I had the same questions as you and did a lot of research, and went back to the specialist three times to test the BAHA demonstrators and discuss the surgery. The demo unit worked pretty well so we tentatively agreed to have the surgery and to use a baha unit.  I picked the Oticon Ponto because it is less conspicious and actually provided more volume.  However I continued to have concerns about a big shaved area and big incision so we went back to the doctor again yesterday.

On wednesday my doctor showed me surgery pictures about how they do the surgery today and the process is much better than what I had seen on the net, with a smaller shaved spot, and much smaller incision.....they no longer lift up the big square of skin, but rather make a small incision then insert the abutment through the slit.........MUCH LESS INVASIVE.  I met a woman at the Doctor's office who had been using the unit for 3 years.  She had neither had big scar nor big shaved spot and was easily able to hide the unit, which made me feel much better as it is harder to hide these for a guy.    These factors made up my mind to go forward with the surgery two weeks from now....Memorial Day weekend.   I'll be sure to give you-all an update after that, but the people I met made me feel so much better.

HJB
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: leapyrtwins on May 14, 2010, 05:56:41 am
Hi, Amanda -

lots of people get a BAHA after years of being deaf.  Lots of people also get a BAHA because they are SSD from other reasons than an Acoustic Neuroma.

There is a great forum - part of the Cochlear website (www.cochlearcommunity.com) that you'll find very helpful.  Registration is free.  It's full of BAHA recipients (and those considering the BAHA) as well as Cochlear Implant patients and candidates.  Registration is free and you'll find lots of people who absolutely love their BAHA - like I do.

If you do get a BAHA, you don't have to shave your hair - ever.  The doc will shave a small amount when he/she does the surgery and also remove the hair follicles in that area so then hair doesn't grow again.  The patch of skin left behind is extremely small and is covered by the BAHA device. 

HJB -

I demo'd the Oticon Ponto Pro as well as the Cochlear BP100 before upgrading from my Cochlear Divino about 2 months ago.  The Ponto Pro is not less conspicious than the BP100 - just a different shape.  Plus the BP100 comes in more colors than the Ponto Pro which makes it easier to "hide" when it's on your head with your hair around it.  The two devices have the same volume - one is not greater than the other.  However, the BP100 actually has a better sound quality and it's smoother sound that you hear.

While I liked the Ponto Pro, the BP100 has 2 more channels (12 compared to 10) which allow the user to get better hearing in crowded and noisy environments.  Cochlear has also been making BAHA system devices for many, many years while Oticon just entered the BAHA market with their Ponto Pro (first device) back in October.

When I got my BP100 I was told by my audiologist that of all their BAHA patients - new and those upgrading - not one chose the Ponto Pro; they all chose the BP100.  I'm not knocking your choice, just want you to be informed. 

BAHA devices aren't cheap - make sure you know what you are getting.

Best,

Jan
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: hjb4971 on August 14, 2010, 12:57:30 am
No offense, but I completely disagree and wonder why you are pushing the Cochlear so hard.  My doctor says that the MAJORITY of his patients are picking the Ponto because it sounds better. He also is seeing his renewal patients (3 year users) switching to the Ponto.  It comes in same number of colors and because of its shape is easier to conceal, so mine is totally hidden. I'd be careful to not push people to one brand or another if I were you.  Though I chose a Ponto I tell people it is a personal choice and each brand has certain features to consider. Unless and until I get paid to promote a specific brand, I consider them equal and a personal choice.  I just chose a Ponto.   

As a user I believe I could provide advice to both manufacturers on how they could improve. The issue here is to not discourage people with SSD from having baha surgery, and I will tell you flat out that the Cochlear video on-line just about convinced me NOT to go forward, which would have been a serious mistake.  As a marketing professional I could teach them a lot about improving and about promoting their product and one of the first steps would be to replace that awful video and out-of-date photos with more current ones that show the surgery today is not very invasive. I also wonder if they believe in "voice of the customer marketing methodology?"

So to potential users I say ....the two brands are both good, you have to choose what makes the most sense for you. I made my choice, study the two brands and make yours.
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: leapyrtwins on August 14, 2010, 10:25:43 am
I am not "pushing" anything - and I take offense at the suggestion that I am.  I am one of the first to say that the BAHA isn't for everyone, that there are other choices available.  Some with SSD chose the TransEar, some are looking into the Sound Byte, some choose to just adapt - and those are all personal choices.

However, I love my BAHA, I've had excellent results with my Cochlear processors (I own a Divino and a BP100), and I've had nothing but stellar customer service from Cochlear as a company.  I've worn my Cochlear BAHAs for about 27 months now and I couldn't be happier with my choice.  I think the BAHA implant is the best thing I've done to address my SSD - something that highly depressed me when I was just ignoring it and trying to adapt to it.  I can't and won't apologize if my enthusiam over something I feel has been life changing for me, hits you the wrong way.

Yes, I am a Cochlear volunteer - and I'm proud of it.  I do not get paid by Cochlear to promote their brand nor do they pay me for anything else - and I am offended by your suggestion.

Cochlear stands behind their products - BAHAs as well as CIs (and I know several people who wear CIs).  I have yet to personally meet anyone who has had a problem with Cochlear as a company.  Have they had issues with their new processor (BP100)?  Yes, they have - but only because it is more programmable than their other BAHA processors.  But in all fairness, they stand behind their processors and it's not unheard of for them to give wearers a brand new processor if they can't fix their "old" one to their satisfaction.

My statement in my prior post that none of my doctor's BAHA patients have chosen the Ponto Pro over the BP100 still stands, 4 months later.  Your doctor may see a different trend in his BAHA patients, and I understand that.

I just read one of your posts on another thread and it didn't sound like you are happy at all with your Ponto.  But maybe I misinterpreted that.  

Have a great day!!  ;D

Jan
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: hjb4971 on August 14, 2010, 12:31:38 pm
First, I tried both the Ponto and the BP100 and got MUCH BETTER results with the Ponto. I also liked its shape and size better than the square box of the BP100.  Apparently others agreed as the week of my surgery my doctor (in Detroit) did numerous Pontos and not one BP100. 

However I've never said my brand is better, only MY PREFERENCE. I specifically counsel others to try and evaluate both manufacturers. I think the issue here is being OBJECTIVE and helping each other find solutions that enhance our lives, not helping manufacturers sell their wares. I know how to do that quite well, it is my profession, but this is a users group intended to help people. As I said if either manufacturer wants to listen to user comments for improvement I could provide a number.

Yes you do misunderstand my feelings about my Ponto.  Just because I want more and better performance from a product doesn't mean I don't like it,  rather I just want it to better serve my needs.    I love my Corvette and would buy another tomorrow, but that doesn't mean I haven't tried to improve it or customize it to better serve my needs. I changed wheels, tires, exhaust, airfilter, and several interior parts to make it more the way I want it to be.  Likewise,  I am THRILLED to have my Ponto, which as you mentioned is changing my life for the better, which I tell people daily.

However, I want to do the same performance tweaking with my Ponto as my car. In my case I still don't know how close to my original hearing I can get with a baha unit, (nobody has told me what I can expect) so I want to tweak it to get more volume if posible, until the audiologist says that I've reached the limits.  I've noticed that everyday it seems to work a bit better as I crank up the volume.....I assume that is because it does "learn" my setting needs.  Having only had this unit 30 days, I do not know how much of my hearing performance can be restored yet, but won't stop trying until I achieve the best I can.  After all that's why I had the surgery and spent the money for a baha unit, because I was unhappy with my lack of hearing once I became SSD. I know many others who feel the same way.

Sorry you resent my suggestion for objectivity, but that's what user sites are supposed to maintain, objectivity.  Manufacturer's websites are by their nature preferential, that is their objective...to sell something, but not user sites. All I ask is for you to be objective, and not to demean my choice. I sure didn't attack you for preferring the BP100 as you have me and I would not push one brand. Read your comments to me again, you clearly chastized me for choosing the Ponto and tried to tell me why. Sorry but I disagree.  I admire Cochlear for what they have done, but believe two brands offer more choice, and I will be happier when there are 4-5 brands as competition pushes all of them to be better.


.       
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: hjb4971 on August 14, 2010, 12:43:33 pm
Here is the surgery video produced at Hartford Hospital in conjunction with Cochlear. It is HORRIBLE, and were I them, I'd take it off the web as it discourages potential baha patients.  This amost stopped me from having the surgery.  Bt the way all I had to do to find it wa type in baha surgery into the google searcer, so I'm quite suprised you have never seen this. 

http://www.orlive.com/hartfordhospital/videos/baha-bone-anchored-hearing-treatment-procedure2?cmpid=active_redirect
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: Kencutus on August 14, 2010, 12:57:05 pm
Here is the surgery video produced at Hartford Hospital in conjunction with Cochlear. It is HORRIBLE, and were I them, I'd take it off the web as it discourages potential baha patients.  This amost stopped me from having the surgery.  Bt the way all I had to do to find it wa type in baha surgery into the google searcer, so I'm quite suprised you have never seen this.  

http://www.orlive.com/hartfordhospital/videos/baha-bone-anchored-hearing-treatment-procedure2?cmpid=active_redirect

I don't see what's wrong with the surgery video.  I don't think it discourage people from having the surgery.  It sounds like you don't have the stomach for it.  It's up to the individual  person if they want to see it or not, it's their choice.   What's the differences if you are out (if done under general) while they work on you?  

On the other note;  I'm with Jan and I'm also a Cochlear Volunteer and very proud to wear my Bahas.  
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: Kaybo on August 14, 2010, 08:40:36 pm
I am reading this with great interest since I am seriously considering a BAHA. While I am glad to hear about both brands & I will willingly admit to being a friend of Jan's, I have gone back  read and reread this thread & don't understand where it went south. It seems like that both of you gave your opinions (which I am thankful for), but really, Jan was very positive about BOTH devices and then just stated her preference.  HJB, seems like you jumped the gun a bit in your assumptions...

K
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: ppearl214 on August 15, 2010, 05:15:27 am
Hi all..... as we know, we are all entitled to our difference of opinions and ask that everyone remember that "we can agree to disagree" in a respectful manner.  As noted by others, people chose what they feel is best for them  and their particular situations (ie: $, fit, technology, recommendations/references, etc).......and thus, when sharing insight and opinion, ask that everyone do so in a respectful manner.  Those that don't will have their posts go *poof*.  Will continue to watch this thread to make sure everyone plays nicely.  I hate using my whip so early on a Sunday morning. Thanks. Phyl
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: Paul F on August 15, 2010, 10:57:25 am
Well said Phyl, I think you stepped in at the right time.  It is nice to have a moderator who stays on top of things.

Thank you for what you do.

Paul
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: tenai98 on August 15, 2010, 05:53:39 pm
wow that was awesome the film clip...I enjoyed viewing it and now know what transpired in OR...
I love my BAHA
Jo
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: leapyrtwins on August 15, 2010, 09:00:30 pm
Jo -

I'm with you; the video clip is kind of cool.  I think someone else posted it on the Forum, because I've seen it before, but I just watched it again.

It was nice to see what was actually done to me during the implant surgery, because while I was wide awake (had local anesthesia) I didn't really ask the doc to do a play by play.  He told me when he was going to drill and that I would feel pressure, but the rest of our conversation was pretty general.  A lot of my time was spent talking to the nurse at the end of my tunnel of drapes. 

I know others have posted links of AN surgery on this Forum and I've tried to watch those, but always ended up covering my eyes and peeking out between my fingers  :o

Some things I just don't want to know about - even if they were done to me.  Thank God docs use general anesthesia for AN surgery!

Jan
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: james e on August 15, 2010, 09:54:01 pm
I have a BAHA. The post was implanted using just a slit rather than a peeled back area like in that surgery. The area around the post that is  bald is the same size of my processor. My hair is short, like in military short, and you cannot see any skin. The sound is a supplement to what I hear in my good ear, and I like what I hear. What I heard when I tried the slip-on BAHA before the surgery, was not very similar to what I hear now. I don't know if any one really knows what it will sound like until you really get it turned on.
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: leapyrtwins on August 15, 2010, 10:07:55 pm
James -

from what I recall you had your BAHA implant at the same time as your AN surgery, correct?

I wonder if that had anything to do with the way your post was implanted (slit vs peeling back of skin).

I had my implant done nine months after my AN surgery (retrosigmoid approach); maybe that had something to do with why my skin was peeled back - but I'm not sure.  It might just be that your doc and my doc do the implant a little differently - just like different docs do different things during AN surgery.

I'll have to ask my doc next time I see him.

Jan
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: ppearl214 on August 16, 2010, 04:29:33 am
Well said Phyl, I think you stepped in at the right time.  It is nice to have a moderator who stays on top of things.

Thank you for what you do.

Paul
all in a day's work, Paul.  Kudos to ALL the Mods for all that they do. :)

I think JoeF had his BAHA done at the same time as his AN surgery, if my old age memory is correct. Would love Joe's inputs in this thread as well.  I know he has spoken about his BAHA many times over the years here..... "search" option for his posts may also be of interest.

Amanda, am curious about one thing. You noted that you have been dealing with hearing loss for a very long time, yet, no mention of AN.  Has the doc informed why they felt that a BAHA would be more beneficial to you vs. a standard hearing aid?  Did they deem something in particular that caused the hearing loss? Since BAHA is "bone anchored", is there a firm reason why they would feel that "bone anchor" would be the best choice? Just curious.

Thanks.
Phyl
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: Joef on August 16, 2010, 05:58:56 am
Yep , had my BAHA surgery at the same time as AN .... I was figured it was better this way for insurance  ... as my insurance would not cover it ! but my wife's did.... (a fact I did not realize until months later!)

I love my BAHA .. but , since I do work at home a lot (by myself , as my wife goes out to work) I don't wear it as much ...  they are like my good shoes... If I get dressed to go in the office.. out to eat .. etc.. BAHA goes in too !

I would say to AmandaRhoads , yes it would help after years of deafness !! but.. I would also say , if  I was young again and dating.... I'm not sure I would like a box on my head.. there is a vanity aspect ... the first couple months after surgery the site was a bloody scabby mess!!  but it will heal up ... and I love it .. I proudly wear stickers on it with my hair cut short !
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: tenai98 on August 16, 2010, 06:08:58 am
stickers???  lol lol...cool idea though...I dont hide my either...I wear it as a survival badge of honor so to speak...Like you, Joef, I only wear it when I leave the house..as my partner is hard of hearing...(finally got him into an ENT), he has the TV, radio ect on loud...why waste batteries???
JO
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: leapyrtwins on August 16, 2010, 06:28:38 am
No bloody, scabby mess for me.  Just the normal healing stuff.

And I'm surprised about your dating comment, Joef.  That was one question I specifically asked you when I was first considering the BAHA.  It was my parents' concern, not mine.  You told me that you didn't see it as an issue.  Now you tell me   ::) :D

Jo -

Cochlear stopped giving out the stickers with the BAHA processors, but they are starting to manufacture "bold colors" - hot pink, blue, green, purple, etc.  While I can't imagine sporting a processor that colorful on my head, they've had huge success with the covers for their CI's (cochlear implants) that are marketed in these colors.  CIs also come with camoflauge covers, zebra-striped covers, etc.  Cochlear - and many conventional hearing aid companies - are finding that their younger clients (teens and young adults) think of their CIs, BAHA processors, and hearing aids as fashion statements.

Go figure!  ;D

Amanda -

not sure if you had an AN or not, but many people have BAHAs due to congenital hearing loss or unexpected hearing loss.  In these instances, since they are SSD (not people with just diminished hearing) the BAHA works wonders.  I believe that statistically more BAHA wearers are non-AN patients than AN patients.

Jan
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: Joef on August 16, 2010, 07:55:54 am
Quote
And I'm surprised about your dating comment, Joef.  That was one question I specifically asked you when I was first considering the BAHA.  It was my parents' concern, not mine.  You told me that you didn't see it as an issue.  Now you tell me   


its not an issue for me now at 40++ ... but if I were teen again ?... I'm not sure I would say that
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: Paul F on August 16, 2010, 11:04:35 am
Jan,
I had read somewhere prior to my BAHA surgery that a new procedure was available for the incision, a slit vs the flap.  I asked my surgeon about it and he said he was thinking about it.  Well, he did not use the slit.  Forgot to ask why not.   Here is a link that explains the procedure.
http://www.actaitalica.it/issues/2008/5-08/bovo.pdf
Paul
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: dalern on August 16, 2010, 08:50:25 pm
And for me, they did NOT remove my hair follicles.  I asked the doc about that and he said he was using a newer method.  I will have to ask if he did the slit or the older procedure.  I tend to think he used just a slit.  My advice and 2 cents:  Definitely ask for a demo to borrow for a few days.  Ask for a ponto as well as a BP100.  I tried both before choosing the BP100.  I wore each of them on a soft band for about 5 days.  I was told that the sound would be considerably better when the real thing was in place, but the demo at least let me know that the sound would be improved.  I have been without hearing in the right ear for about 12 years.  I was also told that the longer you have SSD, the longer it will take for you to see the difference, and that for some people it does NOT make the amount of difference they expect.  The demo was enough of an improvement for me to decide to have the procedure done.  I am aware that my hearing will not be "restored" and will not be the quality that I had before.  However, at this point, any improvement is welcome.  Can't wait til my "gotcha day!"
~Dale
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: leapyrtwins on August 16, 2010, 08:52:23 pm
Thanks for the link, Paul.

I'm seeing my doc tomorrow morning for a small procedure and will ask him about this.

Jan
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: james e on August 16, 2010, 09:20:10 pm
My implant was done following my AN surgery, and it was a slit. There was no bloody mess. The compression bandage, the 2" round bandage that snaps onto the post got sort of nasty looking, but it was not messy. In fact, it came off after one week and the doctor's nurse said to just leave it off. I was scalped, but it is a very small area, and it is also helpful snapping the BAHA on each morning and not getting hair in the way.

Brand loyalty is interesting. I made my mind up I was getting a BAHA before I ever tried it...too many good reviews here...never a bad one. When I tested for it, I was told I was not a good candidate, but that is a long story! Any way, this little jewel behind my right ear makes me hear like I used to...except for where sound is coming from. Lots of people ask me about it, and they love to hear my story from start to end.
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: leapyrtwins on August 19, 2010, 10:50:32 pm
You go, James.  You sound as thrilled with your BAHA as I am with mine  ;D

During my little procedure the other day I asked my doc the flap vs slit question.

We discussed how he used a flap in my surgery, removed some of the tissue in the area, and also some of the hair follicles.  I told him that some doctors apparently don't use a flap, but cut a slit in the skin and do the implant that way and asked him why that was.  He told me that it was doctor preference and although he'd heard of the slit he'd always done the flap.

I pointed out that you probably can't remove as much tissue or scrape the hair follicles with a slit, and he agreed but said there wasn't enough available data yet to decide if this is an issue.  The slit approach is fairly new from what I gather.  From our conversation I got the impression that once slits are more widely done if there is evidence that the results are no different than the flap that my doc wouldn't be opposed to changing his preference. 

So in conclusion, this is just one of those differences that doctors have and there's more than one way to skin a cat (pun intended)  ;)
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: hjb4971 on August 26, 2010, 10:02:04 am
The new small slit surgical style was perfected in late 2008 by doctors in Chicago and presented to other surgeons with a whitepaper soon thereafter. I'm told that more and more surgeons have adopted this style because it is FAR LESS INVASIVE, required a minimal amount of hair removal, and heals much quicker with far fewer complications.   I have advised numerous people to find out with methodology the doctor they are considering is using then decide what they want. I just can't imagine anyone picking a ten year old invasive style with huge incision and many infection problems vs. a new surgical style with a 3/4- inch slit that heals quickly and is easily and quickly concealed.

I've had no complications with my baha surgery and love my baha unit, especially since having it adjusted for more volume.
Title: Re: Help - Is BAHA right for me?
Post by: leapyrtwins on August 26, 2010, 10:37:59 am
Thanks for sharing this info. HJB - very helpful.

I am one who had the flap, but it was far from "invasive" - at least in the way that you are choosing to define the word.  Acoustic neuroma surgery is invasive - BAHA surgery doesn't even compare  ;D  I don't think my doctor - or any other doctor - would let a patient have a highly invasive procedure under local anesthesia, but I might be mistaken. 

I did not have a huge incision - it was small.  I have never had an infection - either while healing or since having my implant (2+ years ago).  I don't have a lot of hair removed - my processor covers that area perfectly.  My implant site healed very quickly.  I didn't have any complications either.

I'm happy to hear that you love your BAHA.  I love mine, too, and that's what it's all about  ;D

However, I don't want you to scare people away from getting the implant - just because their doctor may choose to use the flap style instead of the slit style.

As we Forumites know, doctors often have different surgical "styles" - as well as different protocols in AN treatment - but that doesn't mean that one doctor is better than another in this aspect.  It also doesn't mean that one doctor is "wrong" and the other is "right".

Best,

Jan