Typically, the idea of hearing aids invokes the idea of traditional devices that boost sound through the canal of the ear. For people struggling with certain hearing impairments, such as persistent ear problems or unilateral deafness, an alternative solution might provide improved sound quality and user comfort: bone conduction hearing aids.
How Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Work
With bone conduction hearing devices, the outer and middle ear are bypassed. Rather than relying on airwaves to transmit sound, these devices utilize the head’s bones to direct vibrations directly to the cochlea, the inner ear’s sound-processing center. This means that even if the ear canal is blocked or damaged, sound can still reach the auditory nerve. Consider this example: When you put your hands over your ears and still manage to hear the sound of your own voice while talking, that’s an illustration of bone conduction at work.
Comparison between Bone Conduction and Conventional Hearing Aids
Conventional hearing aids amplify sound and direct it through the ear canal. This approach is especially effective for people who have experienced damage to the inner ear or the nerve in charge of transferring sound, causing sensorineural hearing loss. But if the issue is with the outer or middle ear, due to infection, fluid accumulation, or structural problems, conventional hearing aids may not be reliable or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a more reliable alternative in such situations as they avoid the problematic areas and transmit sound directly to the cochlea.
Best Candidates For Bone Conduction
Bone conduction devices are helpful for:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has trouble moving through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Persistent ear infections or issues with fluid drainage could be intensified by traditional hearing aids.
- Individuals with deformed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who might not qualify for conventional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has severe hearing loss or no hearing. These gadgets provide a non-intrusive option that is frequently more comfortable, especially for individuals, both young and old, who experience recurring ear issues.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable solutions:
There are two principal classifications of bone conduction choices: Implantable and non-implantable devices.
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are typically kept in place with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They are perfect for children, those experimenting with bone conduction for the first time, or people who are not prepared for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically placed): These devices consist of a small implant under the skin that connects to an external sound processor. They usually provide more robust performance and reliability for long-term users. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help determine which option is appropriate based on your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Key Advantages of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Ideal for sensitive ears – does not require insertion into the ear canal
- Good audio quality remains consistent, in spite of ongoing issues with the ears
- Great for distinct anatomy– helpful for people born without a complete outer ear or with other structural variations
- Improved communication– especially in school, work, or noisy environments
If you or your child struggles with hearing in one or both ears, especially as a result of chronic infections or conductive problems, bone conduction hearing devices could be worth exploring.
Make an appointment with an audiologist today to get further information.
Sources: https://www.dukehealth.org/treatments/ear-nose-and-throat/bone-conduction-hearing-aid https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/baha–the-implantable- hearing-device https://www.ndcs.org.uk/advice-and-support/all-advice-and-support-topics/hearing-aids- implants-and-assistive-technology/ hearing-aids-and-implants/ bone-conduction-devices https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/14794-bone-anchored-auditory-implant