What is a bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) primarily used for?

A bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) primarily functions by directly transmitting sound vibrations through an implant that is surgically placed in the skull behind the ear. This device bypasses the outer and middle ear, allowing sound to be transmitted directly to the inner ear via the bone conduction pathway. This is particularly useful for individuals with conductive hearing loss, single-sided deafness, or those who are unable to use traditional hearing aids due to factors like ear canal malformations or chronic ear infections.

The mechanism of sound transmission through the bone allows for better sound quality and clarity for users, as it effectively bypasses issues commonly associated with the ear canal and tympanic membrane. This functional capability distinguishes BAHA from traditional hearing aids, which rely on amplifying sound through the ear canal.