Limited evidence was identified regarding the acoustic and non-acoustic benefits of BAHA. The relevant included evidence was mainly observational studies which are associated with higher risk of bias. The health technology assessment from 2006 indicated that using BAHA for unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, bilateral implantation, and tinnitus were considered experimental patient indications. The authors of the systematic review indicated that due to the lack of evidence, caution should be used when advising patients on the non-acoustic benefits of the BAHA. None of the identified literature pertained to how BAHA would perform in environments that are not representative of typical day to day activities.
No evidence was identified for the CIC hearing aids. No relevant economic studies were identified for BAHA or CIC hearing aids.
No evidence was found that addressed the environmental demands of specific jobs, and therefore the applicability of the limited identified evidence should be considered when discussing possible treatments options with these patients.