Procedure Overview
This surgical procedure is slightly more invasive than traditional BAHAs, but is still typically performed under local anesthetic with some sedation. Operative time may be up to 60 minutes per ear depending on the patient, but may be performed in the day surgery unit.
Step 1
A single incision is made either behind the outer ear or within the hair line to hide the eventual scar. This incision exposes the bone and allows the surgeon to seat the receiver-stimulator within the sub-periosteal pocket beneath the skin.
Step 2
The same type of drill is used to drill a 3-4mm hole in the skull. Once drilled, the 4mm titanium implant will be counter-sunk into the hole and the attached receiver stimulator will be set in place.
Step 3
The incision will be sutured and bandaged for approximately 1 week post-operatively. Healing time is similar to traditional BAHA to allow for osseointegration to occur but also for swelling to diminish so a strong magnetic connection can be achieved for the sound processor.
