A BAHA (bone-anchored hearing aid) system works on the principle of:
- A Direct transcutaneous transmission of vibration to the cochlea via osseointegrated titanium implant ✓
- B Air conduction amplification via an in-the-canal microphone
- C Electromagnetic induction across skin to a floating mass transducer in the middle ear
- D Piezoelectric coupling to the ossicular chain via a crimped wire prosthesis
Correct answer: A. Direct transcutaneous transmission of vibration to the cochlea via osseointegrated titanium implant
Explanation
The BAHA system uses an osseointegrated titanium fixture implanted in the skull. A processor attached to this fixture vibrates the titanium, transmitting sound energy directly through bone to the cochlear fluids, bypassing the external and middle ear. This is true bone-conduction hearing and is useful in conductive/mixed hearing loss and single-sided deafness. Electromagnetic induction to a floating mass transducer describes the Vibrant Soundbridge, while piezoelectric coupling is used in some implantable middle-ear devices.
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.