When the majority of individuals think of hearing aids, they picture traditional devices that boost sound through the ear canal. For people struggling with certain hearing impairments, such as persistent ear problems or unilateral deafness, an alternative solution might provide enhanced sound quality and user comfort: bone conduction hearing aids.
How Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Work
Bone conduction hearing devices function by bypassing the outer and middle ear. Rather than sending sound through the air, they transfer vibrations through the bones of the head to the inner ear (cochlea), where the sound is processed. This means that even if the ear canal is obstructed or damaged, sound can still reach the auditory nerve. Consider this example: When you put your hands over your ears and are still able to hear the sound of your own voice while talking, that’s an illustration of bone conduction at work.
Bone Conduction vs. Conventional Hearing Aids
Conventional hearing aids amplify sound and funnel it through the ear canal. This approach is particularly helpful for people who have had damage to the inner ear or the nerve in charge of transferring sound, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss. However, if there are issues with the outer or middle ear caused by infection, fluid collection, or structural concerns, standard hearing aids might not work well or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices can be a more effective alternative in such scenarios as they avoid the problematic regions and transmit sound directly to the cochlea.
Best Candidates For Bone Conduction
Situations where bone conduction devices are appropriate:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has trouble traveling through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Persistent ear infections or problems with fluid drainage could be intensified by conventional hearing aids.
- Individuals with misshapen ear canals or missing outer ears, who might not be candidates for traditional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has profound hearing loss or no hearing. These devices offer a non-intrusive option that is typically more comfortable, especially for people, both young and old, who experience recurring ear problems.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable techniques:
There are two primary types of bone conduction hearing devices:
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are usually kept in place with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They are perfect for kids, people experimenting with bone conduction for the first time, or people who are not prepared for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically installed): These devices include a small implant under the skin that connects to an external sound processor. Long-term users often find that they supply more effective and reliable results. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help decide which option is appropriate based upon your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Advantages of Employing Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Suitable for sensitive ears – does not necessitate insertion into the ear canal
- Great audio quality stays consistent, despite ongoing problems with the ears
- Ideal for individuals with distinct physical characteristics – this option is especially beneficial for individuals with congenital conditions impacting the outer ear or other physiological variations.
- Enhanced communication– particularly in school, work, or noisy environments
If you or your child struggles with hearing in one or both ears, particularly due to persistent infections or conductive problems, bone conduction hearing devices might be worth exploring.
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