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.