India's first bone anchored hearing aid [BAHA] was just launched in Bangalore. The novel hearing aid, to be worn behind the ear is user friendly, alternative method of treatment for the hearing impaired, was introduced at the Basavanagudi ENT Care Centre in the city.

Manufactured by Entific Medical Systems, Sweden, BAHA costs around Rs.1.75 lakh and comes with a three-year warranty. There was no risk of the patient going deaf through surgical mismanagement. It also helps born deaf children overcome their handicap and go through their normal schooling.

BAHA is anchored into the bone under local anesthesia informed Dr. T Narayan Reddy, ENT consultant from United Kingdom who has anchored the device on 800 patients back in UK. The anchoring procedure takes two hours and is reversible. Around 10,000 BAHA's were implanted among patients worldwide, with very encouraging patient response.

Three to six months after the anchor is implanted, it grows into the bone. The aid is then attached to the anchor through a snap coupling said Dr. Reddy. "This is not suitable for all kinds of hearing impairment, said Dr. Reddy. Patients have to be diagnosed first after a rather long procedure, which includes a hearing test and scrutiny, which could take as long as two to three months.

"After the tests, the procedure including implantation of a titanium screw done under local anesthesia in the bone behind the ear, may take three to six months," Dr. Reddy said adding the device can be later anchored to the screw whenever required.

While conventional hearing aids are simple amplifiers, the BAHA is a conduction aid that carries sound to the inner ear, free of distortion. It runs on batteries and can be cleaned with a toothbrush.

It is found that 10-12 percent of India's population suffers from some kind of hearing impairment. It is estimated that two percent of these will benefit from the device, Dr. Reddy informed. BAHA anchoring could be done only in the case of conductive deafness and not deafness due to sensory or neural loss

A group of doctors introduced the technique will soon have a workshop where 100 doctors from the neighbouring states will participate. Initially, BAHA anchoring would be done in two centres including Bangalore. After monitoring the process, it would be extended to six more centres in the country. Patients can consult Dr. A Mahadevaiah Basavanagudi ENT Care Centre, Bangalore for appointments.