When the majority of individuals think of hearing aids, they think of traditional devices that amplify sound through the ear canal. For people struggling with specific hearing impairments, such as relentless ear issues or unilateral deafness, an alternative option might provide 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 depending on airwaves to convey sound, these devices use the head’s bones to direct vibrations directly to the cochlea, the inner ear’s sound-processing hub. This allows sound to reach the auditory nerve even when there is an obstruction or injury in the ear canal. Consider this example: When you cover your ears and are still able to hear the sound of your own voice when talking, that’s an example of bone conduction working.
Bone Conduction vs. Traditional Hearing Aids
Traditional hearing aids amplify sound and direct it through the ear canal. This works effectively for people with sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged. But if the issue is with the outer or middle ear, due to infection, fluid buildup, or structural issues, conventional hearing aids may not be reliable or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a more reliable option in such situations as they avoid the problematic regions and transmit sound directly to the cochlea.
Bone Conduction Candidates
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.
- Persistent ear infections or drainage problems, where traditional hearing aids could worsen the condition.
- People with flawed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who might not qualify for traditional devices.
- A condition called unilateral deafness, where a person experiences substantial or total hearing loss in one ear. These devices offer a non-invasive option that is frequently more comfortable, especially for children and adults with recurring ear problems.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable techniques:
There are two main kinds of bone conduction hearing devices:
- External non-implantable devices are usually secured with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They’re suitable for children, people trying out bone conduction for the first time, or individuals not ready for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically installed): These devices consist of a small implant under the skin that connects to an external sound processor. They tend to provide stronger performance and stability for long-term users. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help decide which option is appropriate based upon your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Advantages of Using Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Suitable for sensitive ears – does not necessitate insertion into the ear canal
- Good audio quality stays consistent, in spite of recurring problems with the ears
- Great for unique anatomy– helpful for individuals born without a full outer ear or with other structural variations
- Improved communication– particularly in school, work, or noisy settings
If you or your child has difficulty hearing in one or both ears, particularly because of ongoing infections or issues with sound transmission, it may be beneficial to think about bone conduction hearing devices.
Set up an assessment 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