Looking for feedback on BAHA or Revision Stapes

Posted by Denise @azmn, Oct 19, 2019

A bit of background. Born with otosclerosis and had my first stapes surgery. Followed by another about 10 years ago. My major goals are to rid very loud tinnitus and having the ability to hear good in meetings and restaurants.
Recently, I have really been really straining to hear during meetings and it's gotten so bad it's impacting my self, work, and co-workers. Yesterday, I went to the dr and was given options of Baha or revision stapes. My concern is this would be the 3rd attempt on my ear and I wonder if I would still need to wear HA to tame the tinnitus. As for the Baha vs 3rd surgery, I am unsure of the Benefits vs Risk of each.
Does anyone have experience with either revision surgery and/or baha?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Hearing Loss Support Group.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Oct 19, 2019

Hi @whatdidyousaynaz, welcome to Connect's Hearing Loss group. I'm bringing @davekoh @mikepa @momisthebest714 who also have hearing loss due to otosclerosis into this discussion.

@oldmandove48 shares his experience the BAHA device here:
- Hearing really good with BAHA device https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hearing-really-good/

I really like your username @whatdidyousaynaz. What risks vs. benefits did your doctor outline?

Denise | @azmn | Oct 19, 2019

In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @whatdidyousaynaz, welcome to Connect's Hearing Loss group. I'm bringing @davekoh @mikepa @momisthebest714 who also have..." + (show)

@colleenyoung @davekoh @mikepa @momisthebest714 Thank you...

I feel my doctor didn't have a lot of time to discuss both options and my lack of being ready for such discussions.

Although, he said the baha works around the middle ear and that will cut down out dizziness and also work for my right ear. He also said there's a 90% chance on a 2nd revision work. However, he is not sure what he will find when he gets in there. Finally, if the end result is deafness, then my only option is baha. I was told to call the office with my decision.

With the little bit of information I have, I am on the fence because revision surgery is less invasive and quicker recovery time. However, I may still have dizziness and tinnitus. Also, I don't know much about baja except for the broachers from Cochlear and Oticon. It's a great presentation but doesn't go into the process, how long the devices last/need to be replaced, etc.

I am grateful for your feedback! I also think I would benefit from those with the same/like experiences.

Thank you, @whatdidyousaynaz.

Denise | @azmn | Dec 14, 2019

In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @whatdidyousaynaz, welcome to Connect's Hearing Loss group. I'm bringing @davekoh @mikepa @momisthebest714 who also have..." + (show)

Thanks @colleenyoung! I have decided to meet with the Happy Ears at the beginning of next year and way my options. If new HA technology can't meet my needs, then I will consider the revision stapendectomy. Happy holidays!