Hearing solutions

Overview

The Craniofacial Care Program provides hearing services for children and adults who may benefit from bone anchored hearing devices. Our team works with patients and families to assess hearing needs, fit devices and provide ongoing follow-up care.

Services offered

• Identification and assessment of hearing loss
• Education and counselling
• Fitting and follow-up with bone anchored hearing systems and implants
• Ongoing support for both children and adults

Types of hearing devices

Bone anchored hearing aids

A small titanium implant is placed in the bone behind the ear. The hearing device attaches to this implant and turns sound into vibrations that travel through the skull to the cochlea (inner ear). From there, sound signals are sent to the brain.

Bone anchored devices are for patients with a normal inner ear but absent or insufficient outer or middle ear structures.

Conventional hearing aids (not offered here)

These sit in the ear canal and amplify sound through the air. They are for patients with intact outer and middle ear structures.

Cochlear implants (not offered here)

These are used when the inner ear (cochlea) is damaged. A cochlear implant sends signals directly to the auditory nerve.

Treatment pathway

1. Referral processed and consult clinic scheduled.
2. Seen by ENT surgeon and Craniofacial Care Program audiologist.
3. Pre-treatment education session (up to two hours).
4. Implant surgery (if you are a candidate).
5. Post-operative follow-up.
6. Processor delivery after three to four months.
7. Annual follow-ups with the care team.

Patient resources

Forms and referrals

• Bone Conduction Amplification referral form (PDF)

Condition and education resources

• Microtia/Atresia – Ear Community
• Resources for parents, caregivers and educators of children with hearing loss

Professional associations

• Alberta College of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists (ACSLPA)
• Canadian Academy of Audiology
• Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (National)
• Canadian Hard of Hearing Association – Edmonton Chapter

Devices and technology

• Oticon Medical – Bone Conduction Devices
• Cochlear – Baha System

Financial support

• Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) Program