A Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) is best indicated in which of the following clinical scenarios?
- A Bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss with intact cochlear nerve
- B Unilateral conductive hearing loss due to aural atresia with cochlear reserve ≥25 dB HL ✓
- C Bilateral symmetric moderate sensorineural hearing loss with poor word recognition
- D Otosclerosis with mixed hearing loss after failed stapedectomy (air-bone gap >30 dB)
Correct answer: B. Unilateral conductive hearing loss due to aural atresia with cochlear reserve ≥25 dB HL
Explanation
BAHA (osseointegrated bone-conduction implant) is indicated for conductive or mixed hearing loss with cochlear reserve (bone-conduction PTA ≤45–55 dB HL) and for single-sided deafness. Aural atresia with intact cochlear function is a classic indication. It is not suitable for bilateral profound SNHL, which requires cochlear implantation, nor for symmetric SNHL where conventional aids suffice.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.