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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
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Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Bone-anchored hearing aid A single-stage procedure in children
Safina Ali1, Lubna Hadoura, Audrey Carmichael
1Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Yorkhill, Glasgow, UK.
Summary
A single-stage bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) implantation in children is effective, showing a low complication rate and high patient wearability. This method avoids osseointegration failure, making it a viable alternative for pediatric hearing loss treatment.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Audiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) are crucial for managing pediatric ear disorders.
- Manufacturer guidelines typically recommend a two-stage implantation process for children.
- This study evaluates an alternative single-stage surgical technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the single-stage BAHA implantation technique in children.
- To report the outcomes and complication rates of this approach.
- To compare the single-stage method with the conventional two-stage procedure.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 30 children who underwent single-stage BAHA implantation between 1997 and 2005.
- Surgical technique involved a post-auricular split skin graft, fixture placement, and abutment insertion in one procedure.
- Osseointegration was allowed for 10-12 weeks before hearing aid attachment.
Main Results:
- Thirty children (ages 3-15) received BAHA for indications including conductive hearing loss and aural atresia.
- Early complications (skin infection) occurred in 2 patients; late complications (hypertrophy, chronic infection) in 2 patients.
- Two fixtures were lost due to trauma but successfully reimplanted; no osseointegration failures were reported.
- 93% of implanted children actively wear their BAHAs.
Conclusions:
- The single-stage BAHA implantation technique in children is associated with a low rate of early complications.
- This method demonstrates successful osseointegration and high patient compliance.
- The single-stage approach offers a safe and effective alternative for pediatric BAHA recipients.
