Author Topic: Future of Cochlear BAHA  (Read 8120 times)

alabamajane

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Future of Cochlear BAHA
« on: October 03, 2013, 05:47:40 pm »
I just went to a seminar this week by Cochlear,, very informative.
I am SSD and thinking of this type hearing solution ..not sure yet.

But among the many things I learned ,, Cochlear is expecting a new model BAHA to be approved  in Nov. by FDA,, (of course , that was before the shutdown ),,, but this processor will have wireless/BT capability that would "connect" to cell phone, iPod etc,, for those interested..plus I am sure some other upgrades,, which I don't remember ..

Then in mid 2014, they are looking at a magnetically attached BAHA with no outside abutment ,, much like the Cochlear implant does ,, but surgery would still be required..

Just an FYI for those researching  this option currently,,
Jane
translab Oct 27, 2011
facial nerve graft Oct 31,2011, eyelid weight removed Oct 2013, eye closes well

BAHA surgery Oct. 2014, activated Dec. 26

Lillygold

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Re: Future of Cochlear BAHA
« Reply #1 on: October 07, 2013, 04:18:30 pm »
I have heard about the magnetic one. They say you can have an MRI with it. I am thinking about what type of hearing device I want since my surgery. I don't like the idea of a thing outside my head to hang the device on. I have also thought about a Sound Bite.   :-\

alabamajane

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Re: Future of Cochlear BAHA
« Reply #2 on: October 08, 2013, 11:02:19 am »
I didn't ask about MRI with the magnetic one, seems like you wouldn't be able to have MRI due to it being a magnet; however , I did ask about the current type with the titanium screw and you can with it,, will be interesting to see,, that's at least 6 months away though I guess ..
I have been SSD for two yrs now and it's not too bad really,, I too am unsure how I would like the abutment plus processor on side of head,,,,
translab Oct 27, 2011
facial nerve graft Oct 31,2011, eyelid weight removed Oct 2013, eye closes well

BAHA surgery Oct. 2014, activated Dec. 26

keithk

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Re: Future of Cochlear BAHA
« Reply #3 on: October 09, 2013, 06:05:34 pm »
I like the idea of a bluetooth Baha.
AN surgery 8/19/10, 9.5 hrs
8mm x 5mm left side
Retrosigmoid, Drs Reichert & Harvey
Severe hearing loss in the left ear before surgery. SSD after surgery. Balance issues. Tinnitus (mild). Buzzing in left ear.
BAHA implant surgery 11/17/10
BAHA activation 2/1/11

leapyrtwins

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Re: Future of Cochlear BAHA
« Reply #4 on: December 04, 2013, 03:41:07 pm »
Thanks for the update, Jane.

Cochlear just released their new BAHA a week or two ago; I believe it's called the BAHA 4.

Am thinking of discussing an upgrade w/my audiologist.  Nothing wrong with my BP100, but my insurance company will cover an upgrade so I might take advantage of that.

Jan
Retrosig 5/31/07 Drs. Battista & Kazan (Hinsdale, Illinois)
Left AN 3.0 cm (1.5 cm @ diagnosis 6 wks prior) SSD. BAHA implant 3/4/08 (Dr. Battista) Divino 6/4/08  BP100 4/2010 BAHA 5 8/2015

I don't actually "make" trouble..just kind of attract it, fine tune it, and apply it in new and exciting ways

CHD63

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Re: Future of Cochlear BAHA
« Reply #5 on: December 04, 2013, 05:13:16 pm »
Oticon Medical is coming out with a similar new bone-anchored device.  See:  http://www.oticonmedical.com/Medical/About%20Oticon%20Medical/News/ponto-plus-launch-pr.aspx

I was under the impression my insurance would not pay for simply a new, better model for five years, but would pay for a new, upgraded one if it gave me better hearing.  Fortunately (maybe unfortunately) I still have excellent hearing in my good ear so my audiologist said she could not justify getting an upgrade yet.

Think I am going to look into the possibility on my own ..... sure would like to have the built-in telecoil and other cool features!

Clarice
Right MVD for trigeminal neuralgia, 1994, Pittsburgh, PA
Left retrosigmoid 2.6 cm AN removal, February, 2008, Duke U
Tumor regrew to 1.3 cm in February, 2011
Translab AN removal, May, 2011 at HEI, Friedman & Schwartz
Oticon Ponto Pro abutment implant at same time; processor added August, 2011

Smedina

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Re: Future of Cochlear BAHA
« Reply #6 on: February 01, 2014, 11:57:08 pm »
I'm scheduled to get my BAHA implant on Mon (2/4/14).  I was hoping to go magnetic, but my ENT told me that the magnet casts a shadow on the MRI that obscures where they'd need to monitor for any new AN.  But he also said a few years out, one we were confident that there was no AN issue, it would be possible to swap the abutment for the magnetic.  We'll see about that.  In the meantime, I'm looking forward to going bionic. 
Dx 10/20/2011- 4.5cm
Retrosigmoid- Weill Cornell- 11/15/2011- hypervascular tumor
Translab- 11/30/2011
Multiple complications- CSF leak, DVT, cerebellar injury
Facial paralysis- 12-7 Nerve transfer 3/12
SSD—BAHA- 2/14
Ongoing reconstruction & rehab

james e

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  • 72 years, 1.7cm, trans lab Mar 2010, BAHA 5
Re: Future of Cochlear BAHA
« Reply #7 on: February 05, 2014, 11:37:44 am »
Just trolling through here today...how did your implant go? I had mine done during my AN surgery, but the doc covered it up to reduce the chance of infection. He opened my scalp 3 months later to expose the abutment. Do you still have to wait 90 days or did they reduce the time? Time will go by pretty fast and then you will be bionic.

James

Smedina

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Re: Future of Cochlear BAHA
« Reply #8 on: February 05, 2014, 09:55:43 pm »
Thanks, James.  The procedure went fine.  The weather could have been a little more cooperative, but I made it to the hospital and back without a hitch.

I had a gauze/headband/protective cup over the implant site that I removed the next day.   I have a second dressing that comes off next week at my post-op visit.  It's a 6 week wait for the activation- I'm scheduled for the end of March. 

The only limitation is that I can't get the site wet until that 2nd dressing comes off.
Dx 10/20/2011- 4.5cm
Retrosigmoid- Weill Cornell- 11/15/2011- hypervascular tumor
Translab- 11/30/2011
Multiple complications- CSF leak, DVT, cerebellar injury
Facial paralysis- 12-7 Nerve transfer 3/12
SSD—BAHA- 2/14
Ongoing reconstruction & rehab

leapyrtwins

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Re: Future of Cochlear BAHA
« Reply #9 on: February 07, 2014, 03:18:11 pm »
Glad things went well with your implant.

Hope you love your BAHA as much as I love mine  ;D

Jan
Retrosig 5/31/07 Drs. Battista & Kazan (Hinsdale, Illinois)
Left AN 3.0 cm (1.5 cm @ diagnosis 6 wks prior) SSD. BAHA implant 3/4/08 (Dr. Battista) Divino 6/4/08  BP100 4/2010 BAHA 5 8/2015

I don't actually "make" trouble..just kind of attract it, fine tune it, and apply it in new and exciting ways

Smedina

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Re: Future of Cochlear BAHA
« Reply #10 on: February 07, 2014, 08:22:48 pm »
Thanks, Jan.  Me too!  I'm excited about all of the wireless/bluetooth options...Counting the days...

-Sam
Dx 10/20/2011- 4.5cm
Retrosigmoid- Weill Cornell- 11/15/2011- hypervascular tumor
Translab- 11/30/2011
Multiple complications- CSF leak, DVT, cerebellar injury
Facial paralysis- 12-7 Nerve transfer 3/12
SSD—BAHA- 2/14
Ongoing reconstruction & rehab

keithk

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Re: Future of Cochlear BAHA
« Reply #11 on: May 07, 2014, 06:51:27 pm »
I just found out last night Cochlear is working on a Baha 5. It will have a different shape along with being wireless.
AN surgery 8/19/10, 9.5 hrs
8mm x 5mm left side
Retrosigmoid, Drs Reichert & Harvey
Severe hearing loss in the left ear before surgery. SSD after surgery. Balance issues. Tinnitus (mild). Buzzing in left ear.
BAHA implant surgery 11/17/10
BAHA activation 2/1/11