When the majority of individuals think about hearing aids, they picture traditional devices that boost sound through the ear canal. But for individuals with certain kinds of hearing loss, especially those coping with persistent ear problems or single-sided deafness, a different type of technology could provide better clarity 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 transmitting sound through the air, they transfer vibrations through the bones of the head to the inner ear (cochlea), where the sound is processed. This allows sound to reach the auditory nerve even if there is a blockage 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 talking, that’s an example of bone conduction at work.
Distinction between Bone Conduction and Conventional Hearing Aids
Conventional hearing aids boost sound and direct it through the ear canal. This strategy is especially helpful for people who have had damage to the inner ear or the nerve responsible for transferring sound, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss. On the other hand, if there are issues with the external 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 better solution in these cases because they bypass the issue areas and send sound directly to your cochlea.
Bone Conduction Candidates
Situations where bone conduction devices are appropriate:
- Sound waves are unable to travel through the outer or middle ear, resulting in conductive hearing loss.
- Persistent ear infections or issues with fluid drainage could be aggravated by traditional hearing aids.
- People with deformed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who might not qualify for traditional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has profound hearing loss or no hearing. These devices provide a non-intrusive option that is typically more comfortable, especially for people, both young and old, who experience frequent ear issues.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable solutions:
There are two main kinds of bone conduction hearing devices:
- External non-implantable devices are usually fastened using a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They’re suitable for children, individuals trying bone conduction for the first time, or people not prepared for surgery.
- Surgically implanted devices involve a tiny device inserted underneath the skin, which is connected to a separate sound processor worn outside the body. Long-term users often find that they supply more robust and reliable results. A professional assessment by an audiologist or ENT specialist will identify the most appropriate option for you, taking into account your age, individual anatomy, and personal hearing objectives.
Key Benefits of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to place anything inside the ear canal
- Great audio quality remains consistent, despite ongoing problems with the ears
- Perfect for people with distinct physical characteristics – this option is particularly beneficial for people with congenital conditions impacting the outer ear or other physiological variations.
- 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 recurring infections or problems with sound transmission, it may be helpful to think about bone conduction hearing devices.
Set up a consultation 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