A BAHA (bone-anchored hearing aid) is contraindicated in which of the following conditions?

• A Bilateral atresia auris with patent internal auditory canals
• B Single-sided profound sensorineural deafness
• C Cochlear ossification following bacterial meningitis
• D Profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss with absent auditory nerve ✓

Explanation

BAHA works by transmitting sound vibration through the skull bone to the cochlea, so it requires a functional cochlea and intact auditory nerve. In patients with absent or non-functional auditory nerves (e.g., auditory neuropathy, nerve aplasia), cochlear implantation or auditory brainstem implant are alternatives, but BAHA will not benefit them. BAHA is actually well-indicated for atresia (A), single-sided deafness (B), and partially ossified cochleae (C) where bone conduction threshold is acceptable.

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.