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.


METHODS
Retrospective case review.


METHODS
The Silverstein Institute, Sarasota, Florida, and the Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York.


METHODS
Patients with conductive/mixed hearing loss and single-sided deafness implanted with the Baha system between June 1998 and December 2007.


METHODS
Implantation with the Baha system.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Wazen
Jack J
JJ
Silverstein Institute, Ear Research Foundation, Sarasota, Florida, USA. jwazen@silversteininstitute.com
Young
Dayton L
DL
Farrugia
Matthew C
MC
Chandrasekhar
Sujana S
SS
Ghossaini
Soha N
SN
Borik
Julia
J
Soneru
Christian
C
Spitzer
Jaclyn B
JB
D003638:Deafness / Q000601:surgery; D006310:Hearing Aids / Q000009:adverse effects; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006314:Hearing Loss, Conductive / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D010040:Otosclerosis / Q000150:complications; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome