A few days ago, Kay had an important appointment with her audiologist and ENT, and we left with some pretty big news. After discussing her hearing needs, her current BAHA headband, and the options available to her, we officially decided to move forward with the Osia system, a bone conduction hearing implant.
Hearing loss is actually very common in individuals with Down syndrome. Because of differences in the anatomy of the ear and a higher risk of ear related complications, many individuals with Down syndrome experience some degree of hearing loss throughout their lives. For Kay, her hearing loss is in her right ear, and we have been using a BAHA headband to help give her access to sound.
The BAHA headband has been such an important tool for Kay and has helped her tremendously, but the Osia system will give her the opportunity to have a more permanent solution that does not rely on wearing a headband. Instead of needing the external processor held in place by the band, the Osia implant will be placed under the skin behind her ear, allowing the external processor to attach magnetically.
One of the biggest benefits of the Osia compared to her current BAHA headband is comfort and consistency. Since the device will no longer depend on a headband, it can be easier for Kay to wear throughout the day, especially as an active little girl. It also provides a more direct way of delivering sound through bone conduction, which can improve access to sounds and speech, helping support her communication, learning, and overall development.
The ENT explained that the procedure itself will be an outpatient surgery and will take about an hour and a half. After surgery, we will wait about six weeks before following up with audiology, where they will activate the device and begin the process of getting everything programmed specifically for Kay.
Of course, anytime I make a decision involving surgery, there are a million thoughts and emotions that come with it. But after learning more about the Osia system, hearing the benefits, and knowing how important access to sound is for Kay, I feel confident that this is the right next step for her.
I am just waiting now for the scheduler to call us with a surgery date, and then this next chapter of Kay’s hearing journey begins.