Comparison between Baha® 5 and the new Baha 6 Max sound processors: results among Baha attract users

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Cochlear™ Baha® 6 Max is a high-power sound processor (SP) with a fitting range up to 55 dB HL for treating patients with conductive, mixed, or single-sided sensorineural hearing loss. Our objective was to compare the audiological performance and the subjective experience of the Baha 6 Max SP among experienced adult users of the Baha 4 or Baha 5 SP on the Baha Attract system. Fifteen adults (≥18 years) with bilateral mixed (n = 7) or bilateral conductive (n = 8) hearing loss were recruited as part of the pilot study. After 2 weeks of trial period with the new SP, the performance of Baha 5 and Baha 6 Max SP was tested in a single-blind study. Pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and signal-to-noise ratio were determined with both SPs and in the unaided condition. The results of the subgroups with different types of hearing loss were analyzed. Subjective experience and quality of life questionnaires were also completed and compared between the SPs and the unaided hearing condition. Aided thresholds with the Baha 6 Max SP were significantly better on 250 and 8000 Hz than with the Baha 5 SP. The Baha 6 Max SP also provided better suprathreshold test results and signal-to-noise ratio, which the patients’ subjective assessments in both subgroups corroborated. Based on our results, the data shows that the Baha 6 Max SP is an optimal solution for patients using the Baha Attract system.