Successes and complications of the baha system

Objective: To determine the incidence and type of complications, as well as patient satisfaction, associated with the Baha system. Study Design: Retrospective case review. Setting: The Silverstein Institute, Sarasota, Florida, and the Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York. Patients: Patients with conductive/mixed hearing loss and single-sided deafness implanted with the Baha system between June 1998 and December 2007. Intervention: Implantation with the Baha system. Main Outcome Measure: Incidence and type of complications associated with Baha implantation and patient satisfaction as measured by a questionnaire administered on site or by telephone. Results: In our series of 218 patients (223 ears), there were no major complications. Of these patients, 4.5% required revision surgery for soft tissue complications and 1.3% needed revision for failure of osseointegration. Eight percent (8%) required local care and resolved within 2 to 3 weeks of treatment. Five percent (5%) required in office procedures. One hundred six (106) patients satisfactorily completed the survey questionnaire. Ninety-two percent (92%) reported using the device regularly and 77% were happy with the device. On average, patients reported using the device 10.1 h/d, 5.6 d/wk. Conclusion: The Baha system is safe and effective in the rehabilitation of patients with conductive or mixed hearing losses and with single-sided deafness. The high success rate, patient satisfaction rate, and predictable auditory outcome place the Baha among the leading choices for auditory rehabilitation.