How we do it: BAHA positioning in patients with microtia requiring auricular reconstruction

Bilateral microtia is a challenging problem as these patients require both reconstruction of the auricle and rehabilitation of hearing. Our aim was to find the optimal position for bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) in patients requiring reconstruction of the auricle on the same side. From an analysis of five such operated patients, it was found that siting a BAHA 6.5-7.0 cm from the position of the external auditory meatus is probably the correct distance to facilitate optimal auricular reconstruction. Using these criteria, a group of another five patients with BAHA awaiting auricular reconstruction were reviewed. Of these only three (60%) have been satisfactorily sited.