How to take care of your Baha®
Your Baha sound processor is a sophisticated hearing system full of delicate microelectronic components, so you must take care of it – and yourself!
Here's an outline of what to do after the surgery and how to keep your Baha sound processor and the abutment in prime condition. The procedures outlined here and in the online videos are so easy to follow, that they’ll soon become part of your daily routine. And the rewards will be well worth the effort! With a Baha system you’ll be able to hear and communicate with ease.
After surgery
For the best result, you need to take care of the abutment to avoid any complications with the surrounding tissue. If the area has healed, the dressing and stitches will be removed 10–14 days after surgery. If not, the dressing may have to stay in place longer.
At home it is important to maintain good daily hygiene; for the first few weeks after the dressing has been removed, wash your hair carefully and use a strip of alcohol-free wet wipe to keep the skin around the abutment clean.
Daily cleaning
After the first few weeks you can start cleaning the outside of the abutment with the soft abutment cleaning brush provided. Aim the bristles at the side of the abutment, and remove any debris that might have built up around the base. You can do this while taking a bath or shower, using mild soap and plenty of warm water. When you have finished bathing, use a strip of alcohol-free wet wipe to make sure that all debris has been removed.
Weekly cleaning
Clean the inside of the abutment every week, with the abutment cleaning brush, as debris can also build up there. If you should experience soreness or inflammation, or if the abutment feels loose, contact your clinician or hearing care center. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to get checkups regularly.
Related video: Cleaning and care of abutment
Remember:
- Always rinse the abutment cleaning brush in mild soap and warm water and let it air dry. Change the brush every three months, or if you have had an infection. Contact your doctor if you have persistent problems such as soreness, infection, or inflammation around the abutment.
- If you have bilateral implants, use two separate cleaning brushes (one for each abutment), to avoid cross-contamination.
- You can get new cleaning brushes from your hearing care center or order them from our Cochlear store.
Attaching and removing your sound processor
Your Baha sound processor is designed to snap into the abutment. Simply attach it at a slight angle and tilt or rock it into place, taking care to keep your hair out of the way. The tilt technique reduces the pressure on the abutment and prevents any discomfort. Make sure you never push the sound processor straight in.
Protecting your abutment
Whenever you are not wearing your Baha sound processor, you can protect the abutment using the press-on abutment cover provided with your sound processor. Wear it when sleeping, and when having hair treatments. During rough contact sports you can wear a sweatband over the abutment for additional protection.
Related video: Using the abutment cover
Attaching a safety line
When taking part in activities where you risk losing your sound processor we recommend using the safety line provided. Insert the line into the attachment point and fasten it to your clothing.Note: The safety line should always be used when a Baha sound processor is worn by children.
View the Baha Instructional Videos on our support page. There are numerous videos available which explain the use and care of your specific processor, as well as others applicable for all users.
Sample topics:
- Using a Dry-Aid Kit
- Engaging in sports
- Airport security controls
- Using accessories such as the Audio adapter, FM receiver and Telecoil
- Phone use tips, and many more
