Earlens vs. Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA): Which is Right for Me?

Key Takeaways Earlens and Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA) serve different types of hearing loss. Earlens uses a lens placed on the eardrum to directly vibrate it, offering natural sound quality. BAHA involves a surgical procedure to implant a small titanium post in the skull, which transmits sound through bone conduction. Both devices offer customization and wireless capabilities, but their suitability depends on the type and severity of hearing loss. Nano hearing aids, such as the First Ear Pro CIC and Audacity® RIC, are FDA-registered, Class I medical devices with advanced features like noise reduction, and they’re available over-the-counter. NANO Hearing Aids are FDA-registered, Class I devices. Our OTC hearing aids are designed for individuals over 18 years of age with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment. With prices starting at just $297, they offer a viable solution for those looking to improve their hearing without breaking the bank. Shop NANO OTC Hearing Aids What is Earlens and Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) What is Earlens? Earlens is a hearing device that enhances sound quality by directly vibrating the eardrum rather than relying on traditional speakers. It consists of a behind-the-ear processor and a lens placed on the eardrum. The processor captures sound and transmits signals to the lens, which then vibrates the eardrum to produce clear, natural sound. This approach allows for a broader frequency range and more precise sound reproduction. What is BAHA? BAHA uses bone conduction to transmit sound directly to the inner ear. This involves a surgical procedure to implant a titanium post in the skull behind the ear. A sound processor attached to the post picks up vibrations and transmits them through the bone to the inner ear - bypassing the outer and middle ear. BAHA is ideal for conductive hearing loss or single-sided deafness. How Each Device Works Earlens: A behind-the-ear processor captures sound and converts it into electrical signals, which are sent to a small lens on the eardrum. The lens vibrates in response, directly stimulating the eardrum to create sound. BAHA: A titanium post implanted in the skull has a sound processor that picks up vibrations and transmits them through the bone to the inner ear, bypassing outer and middle ear issues. Suitability and Application Earlens: Best for perceived mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss. Broad frequency range and natural sound quality make it ideal for speech clarity in noisy environments. BAHA: Recommended for conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, or single-sided deafness. The bone conduction method provides clear sound directly to the inner ear, bypassing outer and middle ear problems. Earlens Hearing Aids Features of Earlens and BAHA Technological Aspects Earlens: Utilizes a lens on the eardrum to vibrate and create sound for a broad frequency range and natural sound quality. BAHA: Uses bone conduction to transmit sound directly to the inner ear - bypassing the outer and middle ear - and is suitable for conductive hearing loss and single-sided deafness. Wireless Capabilities and Connectivity Earlens: The behind-the-ear processor often includes Bluetooth technology - so users can connect to smartphones, TVs, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices to stream music, take phone calls, and adjust hearing settings through a dedicated app. BAHA: Many BAHA processors connect to smartphones and other devices via Bluetooth or proprietary wireless technologies - useful for streaming audio directly to the hearing aid. Pros & Cons of Earlens and BAHA Device Pros Cons Earlens Natural Sound Quality: The lens on the eardrum provides a natural hearing experience by directly vibrating the eardrum. Cost: Earlens can be expensive, often costing several thousand dollars. Broad Frequency Range: Captures a wider range of sound frequencies, enhancing sound quality. Maintenance: The lens on the eardrum may require periodic replacement, adding to the overall cost. Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth capabilities allow easy streaming of music, phone calls, and other audio. Complexity: Some users may find the technology and customization options overwhelming. Customizable Settings: Users can adjust settings through a smartphone app. BAHA Effective for Specific Hearing Loss: Effective for conductive hearing loss and single-sided deafness. Surgical Procedure: Requires a minor surgical procedure to implant the titanium post. Bypasses Outer and Middle Ear: Transmits sound through bone conduction, bypassing issues in the outer and middle ear. Healing Time: There is a recovery period after the surgery, during which the implant site needs to heal. Stable and Secure Fit: The implanted titanium post provides a secure and stable fit for the sound processor. Potential for Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection at the implant site. Wireless Options: Many BAHA devices offer wireless connectivity for streaming audio and adjusting settings. Cost: The cost of the device and surgery can be high, and not all insurance plans cover it. Comparison of Cost Earlens: The cost of Earlens starts from $5,000 to $10,000, including the device and fitting process. BAHA: The cost of a BAHA device, including the surgical procedure, starts from $4,000 to $15,000, depending on the specific model and additional medical expenses. How Nano Hearing Aids Can Help Nano First Ear Pro CIC: Compact, nearly invisible hearing aids with customizable ear-tips and powerful feedback cancellation. At Nano, founded in 2017, we offer hearing aids that provide an excellent alternative to solutions like Earlens. Our hearing aids, including the First Ear Pro CIC and Audacity® RIC, are FDA-registered Class I medical devices. They are significantly more affordable, with prices starting from $397 for the First Ear Pro CIC and $697 for the Audacity® RIC, offering high-quality hearing solutions at a fraction of the cost of Earlens. Our devices are non-invasive and simple to fit, making them a convenient option for those seeking an effective hearing solution without surgery. Frequently Asked Questions What are the key differences between Earlens and BAHA? Earlens uses a lens on the eardrum to create sound through direct vibration - offering natural sound quality and a broad frequency range. BAHA uses bone conduction to transmit sound directly to the inner ear, bypassing the outer and middle ear. How do I know which device is suitable for my hearing loss? Consult a hearing specialist to determine which device suits your hearing loss. Earlens is recommended for perceived mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss; BAHA is suitable for conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, or single-sided deafness. Is surgery required for BAHA? Yes, BAHA requires a minor surgical procedure to implant a titanium post into the skull behind the ear. The surgery is generally safe, but there is a recovery period and a risk of infection at the implant site. Can I use either device if I wear glasses? Yes, both Earlens and BAHA can be used with glasses, but consider fit and comfort. Earlens has a behind-the-ear processor that may need adjustment for comfort with glasses. BAHA’s sound processor attaches to the implanted post, typically not interfering with glasses. Why should I choose Nano Hearing Aids? At Nano Hearing Aids, we offer an affordable alternative to Earlens. Our FDA-registered Class I medical devices are safe and easy to use. We have a variety of models, such as the First Ear Pro CIC - completely in the canal, discreet, and suitable for perceived mild to moderate hearing loss - and the Audacity® RIC, a receiver-in-canal model offering excellent sound quality and comfort.

Best Sellers

Earlens vs. Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA): Which is Right for Me?

What to Read Next