Does anyone's child have a BAHA aid for unilateral hearing loss?

Sarah - posted on 03/02/2013

Sorry I'm new and just realized I've posted my question on someone else's thread.... My apologies x

Sarah - posted on 03/02/2013

My daughter is 7 and has a mod sev intellectual disability with a sev/prof bilateral hearing impairment. We have battled with normal aids since 7 weeks of age but due to constant glue ear she has never had consistent aid time... She has been fitted with BAHA, and so far isn't tolerating it (she's had the processor for 2 weeks). Any tips to keep it on and stop her throwing it accross the room???

Cindy - posted on 04/18/2012

I have a 4yr old with down syndrome and profound hearing loss in his rt ear. His ENt doctor said a "baha is an option" but wants to wait till he's older to see quote"how functionable" he will be. This comment irriated me but I want to know if there are any moms in my situation and what are your thoughts on waiting?

Andrea - posted on 07/26/2009

My son got his aide a few weeks ago and hates it. Unfortunately, he also has severe sensory sensitivity. The audiologist had to program the aide turned way way down and he says it's still "blasting" and too loud. Hopefully he'll adjust as he wears it more. Right now he's got a regular (not BAHA aid) and it wearing it several hours daily.

Stacy - posted on 07/19/2009

Hi, Ladies. My daughter has profound loss in her left ear and severe to profound in her right. She has been wearing an aid on her right since she was about 6 mo. They talked about the BAHA for her, but I was told it would not do her justice since she has both types of loss. They said an aid would work better for her and that she would be able to pick up speech w/ just one aid. She is doing well. Also, my husband is the same way and he only wears one aid and most people do not realize that he is hearing impaired by the way he talks.

Cynthia - posted on 05/07/2009

You're welcome. We actually have our "loaner" BAHA until June 4. Thirteen is a hard age however if your son has the same result we've had then maybe he'll come around. Good luck and if you have any questions please, please, please just ask!!! We have gone years without any help and being told that there wasn't an option. Good luck!!

Andrea - posted on 05/07/2009

Thanks for the tip Cynthia. I didn't realize that you could try them out first. He's 13 and that is such a difficult age anyway... I'm not sure how he's going to feel about the BAHA

Cynthia - posted on 04/14/2009

Our son also has a unilateral hearing loss and the BAHA has been suggested for him. We have looked at getting him a conventional hearing aid but have been told that it would only amplify background noise and not anything directed toward him. Currently we are "borrowing" a BAHA system on a headband and so far so good. We had instant results and are going to schedule surgery for later in the summer. My suggestion would be to ask your ENT if he's got a loaner. Good luck!

Ann - posted on 03/26/2009

Good luck! Let us know how it goes -- especially the implant part. Our son is too young to have the BAHA implanted (he's only 3) so he wears his on a band around his head.

Andrea - posted on 03/26/2009

Thanks so much Ann and Christina. Our current ENT says he's recommending the BAHA aide because the hearing loss is unilateral. We were told (and I've read in several sources) that the quality of hearing with a traditional aid in one ear and the other ear unaided is not good...not sure I understand exactly but will be asking a LOT of questions at our next appointment. I will definitely look for the Hands and Voices group you mentioned.

Ann - posted on 03/13/2009

My son has worn a BAHA since he was 5 months old -- he was born with a bi-lateral severe hearing loss. The only reason he is in the BAHA is because a traditional hearing aid would not function properly (his ear canals are too narrow and are malformed). I was under the impression that a traditional/in-ear hearing aid works "better". Is there a reason the ENT is recommending the BAHA over an in-ear aid? I would seek a second opinion just to make sure. You might also look into a group called Hands & Voices and see if they have a chapter near you. They have been a great resource and support for us! Good luck and feel free to email me if you have any specific BAHA questions.

Andrea - posted on 03/13/2009

My son is thirteen this week. He was a hearing child until August of 2008 when, we think, a virus damaged his cochlear nerve. His loss is severe/profound in the right ear. The ENT is recommending the BAHA implant, but we are very hesitant. I think I'd like to have him try a traditional aid first.

Christina - posted on 02/28/2009

How old is your son? I know that my little girl is 6 now and has had hearing aid since 2 years old. She was born hearing and then due to severe ear infections perforated both of her eardurms. We talked about BAHA aid but went with a classic hearing aid. The mold fits in her ear and then the aid itself hangs behind her ear. I know that it depends on age and type of hearing loss. What type of hearing loss does your child have?