When the majority of individuals think about hearing aids, they think of traditional devices that amplify sound through the ear canal. For individuals struggling with specific hearing impairments, such as relentless ear issues or unilateral deafness, a different solution might supply enhanced 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. Rather than sending sound through the air, they transfer vibrations through the bones of the skull to the inner ear (cochlea), where the sound is processed. This allows sound to reach the auditory nerve even if there is an obstruction or injury in the ear canal. Think about 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 example of bone conduction at work.
Comparison between Bone Conduction and Conventional Hearing Aids
Traditional hearing aids boost sound and direct it through the ear canal. This works well for people who have sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is compromised. On the other hand, if there are problems with the outer or middle ear caused by infection, fluid collection, or structural concerns, standard hearing aids may not work efficiently or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices can be a more reliable alternative in such scenarios as they steer clear of the problematic areas and transmit sound directly to the cochlea.
Bone Conduction Candidates
Bone conduction devices are beneficial for:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has trouble moving through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Persistent ear infections or issues with fluid drainage could be intensified by traditional hearing aids.
- People with misshapen 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 provide a non-intrusive option that is typically more comfortable, particularly for people, both young and old, who experience frequent ear issues.
Implantable vs. Non-Implantable Options:
There are two principal categories of bone conduction choices: Implantable and non-implantable devices.
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are usually held in place with a headband, softband, or sticky pad. They’re suitable for children, people trying out bone conduction for the first time, or individuals not ready for surgery.
- Surgically embeded devices consist of a tiny device placed underneath the skin, which is linked to a separate sound processor worn outside the body. They tend to provide more robust performance and stability for long-term users. A professional assessment by an audiologist or ENT specialist will identify the most appropriate solution for you, taking into account your age, particular anatomy, and personal hearing objectives.
Perks of Using Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to put anything inside the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, despite having persistent ear issues
- Great for unique anatomy– helpful for individuals born without a full outer ear or with other structural variations
- Enhanced communication– especially in school, work, or noisy settings
If you or your child has difficulty hearing in one or both ears, particularly because of recurring infections or problems with sound transmission, it might be helpful to consider bone conduction hearing devices.
Book 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