Bone conduction implant surgery
Find out about bone conduction implant surgery, including what happens and what to expect before and after your procedure.
What you'll find on this page
- How a surgeon performs a bone conduction implant surgery.
- How long an operation takes.
What happens during bone conduction implant surgery?
Cochlear has two types of bone conduction systems – the Osia® System and the Baha® System. The surgeries for each of these systems are routine operations.
Unlike reconstructive middle ear surgeries that risk damaging your existing natural hearing1, implantation with a bone conduction implant does not involve the middle ear space and won't cause any loss of the remaining hearing you may have in your ear.
If you're getting an Osia System, your surgeon will place an Osia implant under the skin behind your ear, attached to the bone via another small titanium implant (BI300). This implant will fuse to the bone over time through a natural process called osseointegration.
If you're getting the Baha System, your surgeon will place the small BI300 Implant behind your ear, and attach either an abutment or implant magnet to the BI300, depending on your connection type.
After surgery, medical staff will apply a protective dressing to your implant area.
How long does a bone conduction implant operation take?
Bone conduction implant surgery is typically an outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour.
Read more about what to expect after surgery.
"To have such a simple procedure and get my hearing back to this level? I'd do it again without hesitation."
- Robyn, Osia® System recipient
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Disclaimer
Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always follow the directions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.
For a full list of Cochlear’s trademarks, please visit our Terms of Use page.
Views expressed are those of the individual. Consult your health professional to determine if you are a candidate for Cochlear technology.
In Australia, Cochlear™ Nucleus® implant systems are intended for the treatment of moderately severe to profound hearing loss.
In Australia, Baha® bone conduction implant systems are intended for the treatment of moderate to profound hearing loss.
In Australia, the Cochlear™ Osia® System is indicated for patients with conductive, mixed hearing loss and single-sided sensorineural deafness (SSD) aged 10 years and above with up to 55 decibels sensorineural hearing loss. Patients should have sufficient bone quality and quantity to support successful implant placement. Surgery is required to use this product. Any surgical procedure carries risk.
For Cochlear™ Nucleus®, Osia® and Baha® systems: This product is not available for purchase by the general public. For information on funding and reimbursement please contact your health care professional.
Any testimonial featured on this website is intended for an Australian audience only.
References
- Al Anazy FH, Alobaid FA, Alshiha WS. Sensorineural hearing loss following tympanoplasty surgery: A prospective cohort study . Egypt J Otolaryngol 2016;32:93-7