Question
What are the future trends in the Baha system? How successful are they and what modifications are we likely to see in them?
Answer
Cochlear Americas is committed to advancing and improving all of its products, which now include the Baha system. Last year, the first Baha ear-level digital sound processor, Baha Divino, was introduced. The Divino includes an integrated directional microphone and improved adjustability to enhance the personal listening experience. The Divino was also built to higher quality standards by introducing a new transducer, has fewer soldering points and is more resistant to moisture.
The future of the Baha system will involve making a stronger ear-level sound processor to accommodate mixed hearing losses beyond 45 dBHL and for single sided deaf patients with some hearing loss in their better hearing ear. This more powerful processor may also improve the listening experience for currently-implanted wearers. Other products such as a smaller ear-level processor for patients with no neural impairment and circuitry seen in other hearing devices currently in the market are also being evaluated. As the industry makes improvements and changes, Cochlear will assess their relevance to the Baha system product line and further the Baha technology accordingly.
For more information on the Baha system, visit www.cochlear.com.
As of August, 2005 Teri is now employed by Cochlear Americas when Cochlear bought Entific Medical Systems and the Baha and Vistafix product line. Teri is responsible for the management of the clinical and technical aspects of the Baha System which includes clinical studies, clinical and technical support, and training and development of training materials for surgeons and audiologists.