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When the microphone picks up sound, the sound processor creates a series of mechanical vibrations that travel through the screw, into the mastoid bone and then into the inner ear. Using bone to hear may sound like a strange idea but, as the recent study shows, it is effective. It's easy to hear a tuning fork when you hold it next to your ear, but place the base of that humming metal on the bone behind your ear, the same bone the BAHA uses, and suddenly the sound is amplified. It has been proposed that snakes use their jaw bones in a similar way to detect approaching prey. The device can be unclipped for sleeping or showering. While patients hear sounds, there is no detectable physical pressure. As with any surgical implant, patients must clean the skin around the screw regularly to prevent infection. Depending on how hearing is measured, the researchers reported patients improved their hearing by anywhere from 25-50 percent, said Jeter. The bigger challenge is getting the devices into patients who need it, said Lee. Each operation costs between $10,000 to $15,000, which may or may not be covered by insurance or states. "The technology is certainly important," said Lee. "But many states aren't paying for the surgeries that would give people better hearing." Related Links: Eric Bland's blog: What the Tech? |
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