Cochlear Baha SoundArc Instruction Manual

1. What materials are used in the Baha®SoundArc?
The materials used are tested to be biocompatible and are not
made of natural rubber latex. The band is made of stainless
steel with a polyamide nylon coating, the Connector disc is
made of aluminum and the tips are made of 100% silicone.
2. Which sound processors can be used
with the Baha SoundArc?
The Baha SoundArc is compatible with all Baha 5 sound
processors: Baha 5, Baha 5 Power and Baha 5 SuperPower.
The choice of sound processor depends on the patients’
hearing thresholds which should account for both skin and/
or transcranial attenuation. All devices that are compatible
with the Baha Softband are compatible with Baha SoundArc
because of the snap coupling connection. However, legacy
sound processors (Baha 4 and older) have not been validated
for use with Baha SoundArc.
3. How does Baha SoundArc performance compare with
the other non-surgical clinical demonstration tools?
Baha SoundArc has the equivalent sound transmission and
feedback performance as Baha Softband. Compared to
Headband and Testband, the Baha SoundArc shows improved
sound transmission and feedback performance. Baha SoundArc
is optimized for use with Baha 5 sound processors. The design
of the Connector disc, allows a larger area to get in contact
with the skin improving sound transmission performance.
4. What is the optimal placement
for the Baha SoundArc?
The Baha SoundArc should have the steel band placed against
the back of the head above, but not resting on, the ears. The
Connector disc with Baha SoftWear™ Pad should sit flush
against the skin and be placed securely on the sleeve of the
silicone tip. It should not rock or wobble when the processor
is in place. Feedback may occur if placed too close to the ear.
The optimal placement of the Connector disc may vary due
to differences in patient head shapes. Consult the Professional
Quick Fitting Guide for further information on how to fit the
Baha SoundArc to patients.
5. What sizes of Baha SoundArc are available?
What is the most common size?
The Baha SoundArc comes in five different sizes (Extra Small,
Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large). Market research
shows that medium is most common size for adults, and
small is common for young children.
6. Do I have to use the Baha SoftWear Pad
with the Baha SoundArc?
Yes. The Baha SoftWear Pad improves sound transmission
and distributes the contact pressure over a larger surface area,
minimizing the effect of peak pressure. It should always be
used when wearing Baha SoundArc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Baha®SoundArc FAQ
Performance and Use

Frequently Asked Questions
Baha®SoundArc
7. How do I test the Baha SoundArc retention?
Retention for each patient may vary when using the Baha
SoundArc. Patients should be able to wear the Baha SoundArc
during everyday life situations. Ask the patient to move his/
her head and walk up or down stairs to test the comfort and
retention. Counsel to use a safety line for the processor if
participating in sports activities while wearing Baha SoundArc.
8. How do I choose between the Baha Softband
and Baha SoundArc?
Both solutions are equally effective and the choice should be
based on the patient’s age, preference and head shape. The
Baha Softband is a better solution for infants and toddlers
that spend significant time laying down, as well as for patients
with craniofacial abnormalities that may struggle to find a
good fit with Baha SoundArc.
9. Can the Baha SoundArc be fitted bilaterally?
Yes. The Baha SoundArc can be made into a bilateral
configuration by simply adding a second Connector disc.
The video resources will demonstrate how to transform the
Baha SoundArc from unilateral to bilateral. When adjusting
a bilateral Connector disc on one side, ensure you adjust
the other side. Consult the Professional Quick Fitting Guide
for further information on how to fit the Baha SoundArc to
patients bilaterally.
10. Can a patient wear glasses with the Baha SoundArc?
Yes. The Baha SoundArc should be placed above the ear
which makes room for glasses. The patient should wear their
glasses during fitting of the Baha SoundArc to help determine
optimal placement.
11. How do I identify the sizes of the Baha SoundArc?
The Baha SoundArc demo box includes size marker stickers
(XS, S, M, L, and XL) which should be placed on the edge of
the Connector disc. Should a sticker be lost, for instance after
a home trial, compare the Baha SoundArc against a known
size or measure the length of the band. The length of the
bands are XS (30.6 cm), S (31.5 cm), M (33 cm), L (36 cm) and
XL (39 cm).
12. How should I select the correct size
when fitting the Baha SoundArc?
Selecting the correct size depends on the patient´s head size
and shape, but can also depend on the patient’s hair type and
quantity of hair. The Baha SoundArc should be fit so that the
Connector disc sits flush above the ear against the skin, the
silicone tips lay fully against the skin in front of the ear, but
do not protrude into the temple and there should be no gaps
at the back of the head. Part or adjust the hair as needed to
ensure the optimal fit. Consult the Professional Quick Fitting
Guide for support on achieving a comfortable fit for the best
hearing performance.
13. How does a patient’s hair type affect the fitting
of the Baha SoundArc?
Thin or fine hair may need more adjustment to find a
comfortable fit with good retention, whereas thicker coarse
hair can mean Baha SoundArc is easily retained, but may need
adjustment to ensure good contact between the Connector disc
and skin. Hairspray or other hair treatment products can help
hold the hair in place under the Baha SoundArc, but should be
applied before putting the Baha SoundArc and processor on.
When fitting patients with longer hair, lift some of the hair
around the crown of the head and place the Baha SoundArc
on the head underneath, always ensuring that the Connector
disc sits flush against the skin. Remove Baha SoundArc by first
opening the arms outwards to avoid entangling the hair, and
then remove gently from the head. Avoid pulling backwards
directly as the silicone tips can pull the hair and can cause
discomfort for the patient.
Fitting and Handling

14. The Baha SoundArc band feels stiff. How much
force is required to adjust the Baha SoundArc?
The Baha SoundArc features a durable steel band and as such,
may require a firm grip when bending and adjusting. In some
cases you may need to cross the silicone tips to close tighter,
or open arms up to 150 degrees to widen. There is little risk of
damage to the band when adjusting.
15. What should be done if there is a gap between the
Baha SoundArc and the back of the patient’s head?
If there is a gap at the back of the head, but the Connector
disc is flush in the correct position, consider fitting a
smaller size of the Baha SoundArc. If there is a gap between
the Connector disc and/or the skin or silicone tips, make
adjustments to the arms of the band starting from the back
of the head. Consult the Professional Quick Fitting Guide for
support on how to achieve the best fit.
16. How should the Baha SoundArc be adjusted
if a patient cannot find the optimal size?
Not all patients may find a perfect fit with one of the Baha
SoundArc sizes. For patients with heads smaller than the
smallest size Baha SoundArc, the Baha Softband may be
a better solution. For patients in between sizes, use the
placement of the Connector disc and silicone tips as an
indicator for the better choice (Connector disc sits flush
and the tips slightly in front of the ear) and then adjust the
rest of the band accordingly, opening or closing the back of
the band arms.
17. How should the Baha SoundArc be adjusted
if the patient complains of itching or pulling
at the silicone tips?
Slight itching or “pull” from the soft tips may occur due to the
silicone material being in contact with hair and/or skin. This is
normal, and should decrease with time.
18. How should the Baha SoundArc be adjusted
if the patient complains of pain at the temple?
If discomfort is felt at the temple, open the band at the
back of the head, ensuring the Connector disc remains flush
with the skin when worn. Consider changing to a larger size
or adding a second Connector disc on the opposite side to
evenly distribute the pressure felt. If the silicone tips are
protruding far in front of the ear, consider changing to a
smaller size. Always use a Baha SoftWear pad and ensure the
entire disc sits flush against the skin. Consult the Professional
Quick Fitting Guide for support on achieving a comfortable fit
for the best hearing performance.
19. Can I move the Connector disc from the left
to the right side of the Baha SoundArc?
Yes. The Connector disc should sit firmly in place on the
sleeve of the silicone tip and should not move when Baha
SoundArc is taken on and off. To facilitate easy adjustment
of the Connector disc, pull the silicone sleeve thin and taut
along the band on either side of the Connector disc. The disc
should begin to spin or slide freely. When the disc is placed
in the desired location, push the sleeve of the silicone tip
together at both ends towards the disc, “fattening” it to hold
the disc in place.
20. How long can the Baha SoundArc be worn?
The Baha SoundArc can be worn during an entire hearing day,
but actual wearing time should be determined by the patient’s
comfort level. Consider short wearing periods in the beginning
as the patient learns to adapt to the comfort and fit.
21. What color options are available
for the Baha SoundArc?
All Baha SoundArc are shipped in the solid black color
set (black band and silicone tips). For patients wishing to
customize their Baha SoundArc, colored silicone tips are
available. The black band cannot be changed.
Handling Tip: The best way to change the silicone tip is to roll
the tips on the Baha SoundArc between your fingers, while
pulling on the sleeve to gently massage the silicone tip off the
band. With a new tip in place at the end of the band, repeat
the procedure in the opposite direction, rolling and gently
lengthening and compressing the tip sleeve to move it down
the arm of the band. There should be no excess material in
between the end of the band and outer edge of tip, and the
silicone grip pieces should face inwards towards the temple
when placed on the head.

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the property of Cochlear Limited or Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions AB. The names of actual companies and products
mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Baha®SoundArc
Care and Maintenance
22. How should I clean the Baha SoundArc?
The Baha SoundArc can be cleaned with alcohol wipes or other
germicidal wipes when dirt is present on the band or silicone
tips. Ensure the Connector disc is free of dirt and debris before
connecting a sound processor. Baha SoundArc, with processor
removed, can be washed under water and should be dried
thoroughly prior to use. A Baha sound processor should never
be submerged or come into contact with water.
23. How should I clean the Baha SoundArc in the clinic?
For clinical demonstration use or when using the same
band on multiple users, the Baha SoundArc should be wiped
as indicated above and the Baha SoftWear Pad should be
changed between users.
24. What are the risk for allergic reactions?
The Baha SoundArc uses materials that are not made with
natural rubber latex and are biocompatible. The silicone tips
are 100% silicone. Perform an allergy contact test prior to
use, if there is any risk for patient reaction.
25. What is the expected lifetime of the Baha SoundArc?
Baha SoundArc carries the same 90 day warranty as Baha
Softband. It can be used for approximately one year under
normal use, even with adjustments made over time.
26. Is there a risk of permanently deforming
or damaging the Baha SoundArc when using it
as a demo tool?
The Baha SoundArc is designed to be used as a demo and
counseling tool and has been tested to retain its general
shape, even with significant bending. There is little to no risk
of permanent deformation, but professionals may wish to
periodically reshape their demo Baha SoundArc to its original
shape (using a new Baha SoundArc as a guide) to make it
easier and faster to fit on new patients.