Baha® Start

What is Baha Start?

Baha Start is our non-surgical bone conduction solution that features the Baha Softband or SoundArc™ and the Baha 6 Max Sound Processor which can help address your child’s hearing loss of up to 55 dB SNHL.*

Learning to communicate begins early—well before your child says their first word— which is why it’s so important for children with hearing loss to be given access to sound as soon as possible. It can help lay the foundation for fundamental language development and social skills to help them be successful in school and society later in life. In fact, research shows children whose hearing loss is identified and treated early are best able to develop speech, language, cognitive and social skills ahead of later identified children.^¹

The Lend an Ear Program is is designed to allow clinicians to ensure their pediatric patients get earlier access to sound through a non-surgical bone conduction solution. With Baha Remote Assist,^^# families can optimize their hectic schedules and lives by accessing quality care, when and where they need it, without the need to visit the clinic.

Download the Baha Start, Softband, and SoundArc Info Sheet

Learn more about bone conduction candidacy, treatment determination, and care pathway.

 

Baha Softband

The Baha Softband uses a flexible headband to hold the sound processor in place while it transmits vibrations to the bone through the skin. This system is designed to facilitate early amplification for children before surgery is indicated (under the age of 5), help individuals for whom surgery is contraindicated, and is also used in candidate counseling.

• Consists of soft, elastic headband and plastic snap connector
• Holds processor firmly but gently in place
• Adjustable fastening facilitates easy pressure adjustment
• Easy to shift position, increasing comfort and usefulness when child is in car seat or stroller
• Built-in safety release
• Bilateral and unilateral configurations available

With Cochlear, there are more options to fit the child’s lifestyle. The Baha Softband comes in a variety of colors and the sound processor comes with plenty of cool accessories.

 

Baha SoundArc™

Baha SoundArc is Cochlear’s modern and discreet over the ear option for those who need a different non-surgical option to Softband. The Baha SoundArc also allows for high quality demonstrations, evaluations, and trials with the Baha 6 Max Sound Processor. It is a stylish non-surgical option and is easy to use.

The Baha SoundArc is designed to sit above the ears and be worn behind the head, with the Baha Sound Processor attached to the Connector disc just behind the ear. Make sure the Baha SoundArc is fitted correctly prior to programming the sound processor with the Baha Fitting Software.

• Spring steel band fits neatly around the head, providing comfortable pressure for good sound transmission and retention
• Secure coupling minimizes risk of feedback and allows easy attachment to Baha Sound Processors
• Silicone grips for greater retention and snug fit
• Bilateral and unilateral configurations available

Download the Baha SoundArc Fitting Guide

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Baha Remote Assist™

Remote Assist^^#  enables the same fitting activities you would offer during a clinic appointment for patients with the Baha 6 Max Sound Processor, a compatible smartphone and the Baha Smart App.^‡

 

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What is Lend an Ear and how can it help my patients?

The Lend an Ear (LAE) Program is for pediatric patients, 18 years old and under and provides patients with a loaner Baha 6 Max Sound Processor along with the choice of a non-surgical wearing option (Softband or SoundArc). Before shipping the loaner device, Cochlear obtains preliminary documentation in order to verify patient benefits. While the insurance approval process takes place, the Baha sound processor will be set up as a loaner with the expectation that once the insurance approval is received, it will be converted to the patient’s ownership or returned to Cochlear. Once we receive the insurance approval, the patient’s journey will be simplified with no further need for equipment exchanges or fitting appointments.

The LAE program can be used for an initial or replacement Baha Start System. In order to utilize the LAE Program for a replacement Baha Start System, the patient must be out of sound on at least one side.

• Initial Baha Start System: A patient’s first Baha Start System
• Replacement Baha Start System: A new Baha Start System for the same ear side received after the Initial Baha Start System