When the majority of individuals think of hearing aids, they picture conventional devices that amplify sound through the ear canal. But for people with specific kinds of hearing loss, especially those coping with chronic ear issues or single-sided deafness, a different type of technology could offer better quality and comfort: bone conduction hearing devices.
How Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Work
With bone conduction hearing devices, the outer and middle ear are bypassed. Rather than relying on airwaves to convey sound, these devices utilize the head’s bones to direct vibrations directly to the cochlea, the inner ear’s sound-processing hub. This allows sound to reach the auditory nerve even if there is an obstruction or injury in the ear canal. Think about this example: When you cover your ears and are still able to hear the sound of your own voice when speaking, that’s an illustration of bone conduction at work.
Bone Conduction vs. Traditional Hearing Aids
Standard hearing aids increase sound and send it into the ear canal. This approach is particularly helpful for individuals who have had damage to the inner ear or the nerve responsible for transmitting sound, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss. But if the problem is with the outer or middle ear, due to infection, fluid buildup, or structural issues, standard hearing aids might not be effective or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a more effective alternative in such scenarios as they avoid the problematic regions and transmit sound directly to the cochlea.
Bone Conduction Candidates
Situations where bone conduction devices are appropraite:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has difficulty moving through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Relentless ear infections or issues with fluid drainage could be aggravated by traditional hearing aids.
- Individuals with flawed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who might not qualify for traditional devices.
- A condition known as one-sided deafness, where an individual experiences significant or total hearing loss in one ear. These devices offer a non-invasive option that is frequently more comfortable, especially for kids and adults who have persisting ear problems.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable techniques:
There are two principal categories of bone conduction options: Implantable and non-implantable devices.
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are usually held in place with a headband, softband, or sticky pad. They are excellent for kids, those experimenting with bone conduction for the first time, or individuals who are not prepared for surgery.
- Surgically implanted devices consist of a tiny device inserted underneath the skin, which is connected to a separate sound processor mounted outside the body. They usually provide more robust performance and stability for long-term users. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help decide which option is appropriate based on your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Key Advantages of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Suitable for sensitive ears – does not require insertion into the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, even with persistent ear problems
- Ideal for individuals with distinct physical attributes – this option is especially helpful for individuals with congenital conditions impacting the outer ear or other physiological variations.
- Enhanced communication is especially advantageous in instructional settings, professional environments, or noisy surroundings
If you or your child has difficulty hearing in one or both ears, particularly because of ongoing infections or issues with sound transmission, it may be beneficial to think about bone conduction hearing devices.
Set up an assessment with a hearing specialist today.
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