Recovery from Baha® Implant surgery
Learn about recovering from Baha implant surgery so you will be ready for your sound processor fitting.
What you will find on this page
- Get tips on how to care for yourself or your loved one after surgery
- Find answers to common questions like "Can I drive?" or "Can I wash my hair?"
- Connect with others who can share their experience with surgery
Preparing yourself for surgery
As you anticipate and prepare for your Baha Implant surgery, you may experience a range of emotions. Understanding what to expect after surgery and how to care for yourself or your loved one during the recovery process will help give you confidence in the journey that lies ahead.
After your procedure
After Baha Implant surgery, your head will likely be wrapped in a bandage to protect the incision site, and you will be given instructions on how to care for it along with medication prescriptions and possible activity restrictions. Once you take the bandage off, you may have some swelling around the incision site.
The recovery process will take some patience, but it's important to take the time you need to heal, so you can be ready to go to your fitting.
How to care for yourself or your loved one at home after surgery
Recovering from your surgery isn’t complicated, but it will take time. The help and support of family and friends will be important as you heal.
Here are some tips and recommendations to help you recover:
- Follow your doctor’s instructions and take medication as directed.
- You won't be able to drive yourself home after surgery, so please arrange for a ride home. It's also a good idea to have someone with you for a day after your surgery.
- Your doctor will let you know when to remove the bandage, usually a few days after surgery.
- After you remove the bandage, wash the incision daily with warm, soapy water, and pat dry.
- You should be able to shower and wash your hair one week after surgery unless instructed otherwise. Keep water out of your ear.
- Staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet after surgery can help promote healing and help you get past any side effects from the anesthesia.
This post-surgery period is a time to rest. Take this opportunity to anticipate what's to come when you hear for the first time at fitting.
How long does it take to recover?
Your surgeon will require a recovery period before your system is programmed for the first time—4 to 12 weeks for Baha Implants. You may want to take time off from work or activities for up to a week following the surgery to allow yourself time to adapt and the incision site to heal but many people are back to their normal routines within a few days. Most doctors advise against lifting even moderately heavy weights in the days right after surgery. Talk to your doctor about how much activity is safe for you.
