■ OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of postoperative complications associated with the BAHA and the appropriate management.

■ METHODS: Retrospective case review performed at a specialty institution. From January 29, 2003 to September 27, 2006, 26 consecutive patients underwent implantation of a BAHA. Ages ranged from 25 to 80, with 20 females and 6 males. 28 BAHA surgeries were performed, with one patient undergoing surgery on both ears and a second patient undergoing a revision surgery after a failure.

■ RESULTS: No major intraoperative/perioperative complications occurred. 2 patients were lost to follow-up. 13/26 patients (50%) had at least one type of post-operative complication. 1/26 patients (3.8%) had osseointegration failure due to infection that required a revision BAHA surgery. The most common complication was skin infection (26.9%), followed by keloid or granulation tissue formation (23.1%), and skin breakdown (11.5% ).

■ CONCLUSION: Postoperative complications from the implantation of a BAHA are common, but are readily managed in an office-based setting. Major complications leading to failure of the implant are rare.