When the majority of individuals think of hearing aids, they think of conventional devices that amplify sound through the ear canal. But for individuals with specific kinds of hearing loss, particularly those dealing with chronic ear problems or single-sided deafness, a distinct kind of technology could provide better clarity and comfort: bone conduction hearing devices.
The Functionality of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
With bone conduction hearing devices, the outer and middle ear are bypassed. Rather than relying on airwaves to transmit sound, these devices use the head’s bones to channel vibrations directly to the cochlea, the inner ear’s sound-processing hub. This allows sound to get to the auditory nerve even if there is a blockage or injury in the ear canal. Think of it like this: If you’ve ever plugged your ears and still heard your voice when speaking, that’s bone conduction.
Bone Conduction vs. Conventional Hearing Aids
Conventional hearing aids increase sound and direct it into the ear canal. This works well for individuals who have sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is compromised. However, if there are issues with the outer or middle ear dued to infection, fluid collection, or structural problems, conventional hearing aids might not work efficiently or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a more effective alternative in such scenarios as they steer clear of the problematic regions and transmit sound directly to the cochlea.
Best Candidates For Bone Conduction
Situations where bone conduction devices are appropriate:
- Sound waves are not able to pass through the outer or middle ear, leading to conductive hearing loss.
- Relentless ear infections or issues with fluid drainage could be intensified by traditional hearing aids.
- Individuals with flawed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who may not qualify for traditional devices.
- A condition known as unilateral deafness, where a person experiences significant or total hearing loss in one ear. These devices offer a non-invasive alternative that is frequently more comfortable, especially for kids and adults who have persisting ear issues.
Implantable vs. Non-Implantable Options:
There are two main kinds of bone conduction hearing devices:
- External non-implantable devices are usually secured using 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.
- Surgically implanted devices consist of a tiny device inserted beneath the skin, which is connected to a separate sound processor mounted outside the body. They tend to provide more robust performance and reliability for long-term users. A professional evaluation by an audiologist or ENT specialist will determine the most suitable solution for you, considering your age, individual anatomy, and personal hearing objectives.
Key Benefits of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to put anything inside the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, despite having persistent ear problems
- Excellent for distinct anatomy– helpful for people born without a full outer ear or with other structural variations
- Improved communication– particularly in school, work, or noisy environments
If you or your child has difficulty hearing in one or both ears, particularly because of recurring infections or problems with sound transmission, it may be helpful to consider bone conduction hearing devices.
Book an appointment with an audiologist today to get more 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
