When most individuals think of hearing aids, they picture conventional devices that boost sound through the ear canal. For people struggling with specific hearing impairments, such as relentless ear issues or unilateral deafness, an alternative option may provide improved 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 depending on airwaves to transmit sound, these devices use the skull’s bones to direct vibrations directly to the cochlea, the inner ear’s sound-processing hub. This means that even when the ear canal is blocked or damaged, sound can still reach the auditory nerve. Think of it this way: If you’ve ever plugged your ears and still been able to hear your voice when talking, that’s bone conduction.
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. However, if there are issues with the external or middle ear dued to infection, fluid accumulation, or structural concerns, conventional hearing aids might not work efficiently or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a better option in these instances because they bypass the problem areas and send sound directly to your cochlea.
Best Candidates For Bone Conduction
Situations where bone conduction devices are appropriate:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has difficulty moving through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Relentless ear infections or problems with fluid drainage could be aggravated by traditional hearing aids.
- People with flawed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who might not qualify for conventional devices.
- A condition known as one-sided deafness, where a person experiences substantial or total hearing loss in one ear. These gadgets provide a non-intrusive option that is typically more comfortable, particularly for individuals, both young and old, who experience recurring ear issues.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable techniques:
There are two primary types of bone conduction hearing devices:
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are typically kept in place with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They are excellent for kids, those experimenting with bone conduction for the first time, or individuals who are not prepared for surgery.
- Surgically embeded devices involve a tiny device placed underneath the skin, which is linked to a separate sound processor worn outside the body. Long-term users often find that they supply more robust and dependable results. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help decide which option is appropriate based on your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Perks of Using Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Ideal for sensitive ears – does not necessitate insertion into the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, despite having chronic ear issues
- Excellent for unique anatomy– helpful for people born without a complete outer ear or with other structural variations
- Enhanced communication is especially beneficial in instructional settings, professional environments, or loud surroundings
If you or your child has trouble hearing in one or both ears, especially because of ongoing infections or issues with sound transmission, it may be helpful to think about 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
