BAHA Implants

Understanding BAHA Implants

Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA) help individuals with conductive or mixed hearing loss and single-sided deafness. Unlike traditional hearing aids, BAHA works through bone conduction, bypassing the outer and middle ear to directly stimulate the inner ear, improving sound perception.

Surgical Insertion Process

A small titanium implant is surgically placed in the bone behind the ear. Over time, it integrates with the bone through osseointegration. This secure anchoring allows efficient sound transmission, ensuring stable and long-term hearing improvement for individuals who cannot use regular hearing aids.

How Sound Transmission Works

The BAHA device attaches to the implant, capturing sound and converting it into vibrations. These vibrations travel through the skull bone to the cochlea, where they are processed as sound. This direct stimulation provides clearer hearing without relying on the outer or middle ear.

Postoperative Rehabilitation

After surgery, a healing period allows the implant to integrate with the bone. Once healed, the external processor is fitted and adjusted for comfort. Follow-up appointments help fine-tune the device, ensuring optimal hearing improvement, making BAHA an excellent option for those with specific hearing loss conditions.

Omkar’s Journey

Omkar’s Journey
Background 

Omkar Ranjit Kadam, a 16-year-old student from Gajawadi village, has born with bilateral microtia and moderate to severe conductive hearing loss.

The Challenge
  • Omkar faced significant challenges in hearing and communication due to his congenital condition, which included missing outer ears and ear canals on both sides.
  • Omkar's hearing impairment impacted his academic performance and social interactions.
  • His family, struggling with financial constraints as poor farmers, sought medical advice and learned that a BAHA (Bone Anchored Hearing Aid) implant could greatly improve his hearing, speech perception, and overall quality of life.
  • However, the cost of the BAHA 4 system implant was quoted at Rs. 4.98 lakhs, an amount beyond their means.
The Support
  • In August 2015, Omkar’s family approached Make My Dream Foundation for financial support and guidance, during a camp in Sonwadi-Gajawadi Village.
  • The foundation took on the challenge of raising funds for the implant.
  • The parents opted for enhanced BAHA implants (1.3 tesla) for better MRI compatibility.
  • The journey to securing the necessary funds involved significant efforts:
    • Dr. Hetal Marfatiaan ENT Surgeon from K.E.M., Mumbai, played a crucial role in the operation and fundraising.
    • Tata Trustscontributed Rs. 3.63 lakhs.
    • Murli Laj Chungai Charity Trust contributed Rs. 0.40 lakhs.
    • Make My Dream Foundationraised around Rs. 1 lakh.
The Procedure

In August 2016, the surgery was successfully performed, and after completing the process of osseointegration in November 2016, Omkar began to hear normally.

The Impact

This was a pivotal moment in Omkar’s life, marking a significant improvement in his ability to engage with the world around him.

Now able to hear clearly, he has excelled academically and successfully completed a Bachelor of Arts. He also did a diploma in Hotel Management and a few short-term computer courses.

Omkar is now looking for a suitable job.

Looking Forward

Make My Dream Foundation, emphasizes that their mission extends beyond providing medical aid.

The foundation aims to foster self-reliance and help individuals achieve their long-term goals. Omkar's journey is a testament to their dedication and the collaborative efforts of various supporters.

Omkar’s story is a powerful reminder of how targeted support and community efforts can transform lives, enabling individuals to overcome significant challenges and pursue their dreams with newfound confidence.