Usually, the concept of hearing aids invokes the thought of traditional devices that boost sound through the canal of the ear. For individuals struggling with certain hearing impairments, such as relentless ear issues or unilateral deafness, an alternative solution might supply 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. Instead of transmitting sound through the air, they transmit vibrations through the bones of the skull to the inner ear (cochlea), where the sound is processed. This allows sound to get to 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 while speaking, that’s an illustration of bone conduction at work.
Bone Conduction vs. Conventional Hearing Aids
Conventional hearing aids increase sound and direct it into the ear canal. This works effectively for individuals who have sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged. But if the problem is with the outer or middle ear, as a result of infection, fluid buildup, or structural issues, conventional hearing aids might not be effective or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a more effective alternative in such situations as they avoid the problematic regions and transmit sound directly to the cochlea.
Bone Conduction Candidates
Bone conduction devices are helpful for:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has trouble traveling through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Persistent ear infections or drainage problems, where traditional hearing aids could aggravate the condition.
- Individuals with malformed ear canals or missing outer ears, who may not be prospects for traditional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has profound hearing loss or no hearing. These gadgets offer a non-intrusive option that is typically more comfortable, especially for individuals, both young and old, who experience recurring ear issues.
Implantable vs. Non-Implantable Solutions:
There are two primary categories of bone conduction options: Implantable and non-implantable devices.
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are typically held in place with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They’re suitable for children, people trying out bone conduction for the first time, or people not ready for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically placed): These devices consist of a small implant under the skin that connects with an external sound processor. They usually offer stronger performance and stability for long-term users. A professional assessment by an audiologist or ENT specialist will determine the most suitable option for you, taking into account your age, individual anatomy, and personal hearing objectives.
Advantages of Employing Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Suitable for sensitive ears – does not require insertion into the ear canal
- Great audio quality stays consistent, despite recurring issues with the ears
- Excellent for unique anatomy– helpful for individuals born without a full outer ear or with other structural differences
- Improved communication– especially in school, work, or noisy settings
If you or your child has trouble hearing in one or both ears, particularly because of ongoing infections or problems with sound transmission, it might be beneficial to consider bone conduction hearing devices.
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