Bone Anchored Hearing Aid With Headband Over Cranial Orthosis: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Otolaryngology
• Craniofacial Surgery
• Audiology

Background:

• Deformational plagiocephaly treatment involves custom cranial orthosis helmets worn for extended periods.
• Children with plagiocephaly may also have conductive hearing loss requiring bone anchored hearing aids (BAHA).
• Direct skull contact is essential for BAHA efficacy, posing a challenge with helmet use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of using BAHA devices over cranial orthosis helmets.
• To assess the audiological benefit and practicality of this combined treatment approach.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving three pediatric patients with concurrent deformational plagiocephaly and conductive hearing loss.
• BAHA devices with headbands were used over custom-fit cranial orthosis helmets.
• Adjustments to BAHA feedback management settings and aided testing were performed.

Main Results:

• Two of three patients achieved good aided benefit with BAHA placed over the helmet.
• Optimal placement was identified on the flat section of the helmet near the ear.
• Parents reported positive responses to BAHA use over the helmet.

Conclusions:

• Using BAHA with headbands over cranial orthosis helmets is a viable alternative for managing hearing loss in children with plagiocephaly.
• This method enables early audiological intervention, supporting language development during head reshaping.
• It minimizes communication delays without compromising treatment outcomes for head shape or speech development.