Meet The SoundArc, An Instant Fit BAHA
To my eternal shame I missed this a couple of months ago, Cochlear announced on January 22nd this year the introduction of a brand new instant fit BAHA device. The new device is called the SoundArc and it is designed to allow children with conductive or mixed hearing loss, or single-sided deafness (SSD), who are not yet eligible or ready for an implant to try out the benefits of Bone Anchored Hearing Aids.
Worried about surgery
Any surgical intervention is a worry, in particular when it is your child who faces it. The new solution offers the opportunity to assess the benefits of BAHA without having to undergo surgery. It is also ideal for children who are not eligible for surgery just yet.
Supporting normal development
The device will allow the normal development of language skills. Language skills are an important cornerstone of all childhood development including learning and socialisation. The device works like other BAHA devices by bypassing the damaged outer or middle ear and delivering sound to the undamaged inner ear. Cochlear says:
The new Baha SoundArc is a non-surgical, behind-the-head band that is an alternative to the Baha® Softband (released in 2002). The non-surgical wearing options are part of Cochlear's bone conduction implant system, the CochlearTM Baha® System. The Baha System utilizes the body's natural ability to conduct sound to skip over the damaged parts of the outer and middle ear, sending clear, crisp sound directly to a working inner ear (the cochlea).2 The Baha SoundArc and the Baha Softband are designed to provide the same benefits and hearing performance and will work with one (unilateral) or two (bilateral) Baha® 5 Sound Processors. The new SoundArc provides a modern look, is lightweight, practical and easy to put on and take off. It fits securely and comfortably in place. The SoundArc comes in several sizes, is adaptable to fit different shaped heads and sizes, and it has a variety of soft colored tips to match hair, clothes or mood.
Made For iPhone with an app
The Baha 5 Sound Processor in the SoundArc will allow users to hear better across noisy environments and connect wirelessly to a variety of electronic devices. The sound processor facilitates direct-to-device wireless streaming and control with Made for iPhone technology, and a personalized hearing experience with the Baha 5 Smart App.
A trial BAHA for adults
For adults struggling with conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, SSD and any of the associated conditions, the new device can be used as a trial device to demo how a Baha will sound before they make decisions to move forward with the Baha Implant System.
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Posted by Geoff
Geoffrey Cooling
Geoffrey (Geoff, anything else makes him nervous) Cooling is an Irish hearing aid blogger and has been involved with the hearing aid industry for over ten years. He has worked in private practice dispensing hearing aids and as a manufacturer's rep. He has written two books and they are both available on Amazon. He loves technology, passing on knowledge and is legendary for many other things, primarily the amount he curses, his dry and mischievous sense of humour and his complete intolerance of people who are full of themselves. Please feel free to connect with him
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