Authors' recommendations: Evidence of low methodological quality shows an improvement in tone perception and word recognition with the use of unilateral bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA®) in unilateral or bilateral conductive or mixed hearing loss and in unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Bilateral BAHA® implant might have a potential benefit in cases of bilateral conductive or mixed hearing loss, by allowing a better location in space of the sound source. Most clinical practice guidelines identified consider appropriate to use BAHA for the treatment of conductive or mixed hearing loss, and for unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The coverage policies found cover unilateral BAHA® implant, mainly for conductive or mixed hearing loss, when conventional hearing aids are contraindicated, while some also consider it an alternative to other devices for unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. In Argentina, the cost of BAHA®, for the treatment of conductive or mixed hearing loss is a technology that can be reimbursed through the Unique Reimbursement System of the Healthcare Service Superintendence.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2016

URL for published report: www.iecs.org.ar/home-ets/

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Argentina

Organisation Name: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy

Contact Address: Dr. Emilio Ravignani 2024, Buenos Aires - Argentina, C1414 CABA

Contact Name: info@iecs.org.ar

Contact Email: info@iecs.org.ar

Copyright: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS)