A bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) is being considered for a child with bilateral aural atresia and conductive hearing loss of 60 dB. What is the minimum age recommended for surgical implantation of the titanium fixture in most guidelines?
- A 1 year
- B 3 years
- C 5 years ✓
- D 8 years
Correct answer: C. 5 years
Explanation
Most guidelines recommend waiting until the child is at least 5 years of age for BAHA fixture implantation because the skull needs to be of adequate thickness (minimum 3–4 mm) to safely accommodate the titanium implant. Younger children may use a soft headband BAHA to provide auditory stimulation prior to surgical implantation. The 3-year age limit is insufficient for adequate bone thickness in most children.
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.