When the majority of people think of hearing aids, they think of conventional devices that amplify sound through the ear canal. For people struggling with specific hearing impairments, such as relentless ear problems or unilateral deafness, an alternative solution might provide enhanced sound quality and user comfort: bone conduction hearing aids.
How Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Work
Bone conduction hearing devices work by bypassing the outer and middle ear. Rather than depending on airwaves to convey sound, these devices utilize 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 obstructed or damaged, sound can still reach the auditory nerve. Think of it this way: If you’ve ever stopped up your ears and still heard your voice when speaking, that’s bone conduction.
Bone Conduction vs. Traditional Hearing Aids
Standard hearing aids increase sound and send it into the ear canal. This works effectively for people with sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is compromised. But if the problem is with the outer or middle ear, as a result of infection, fluid buildup, or structural issues, traditional hearing aids may not be reliable or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices can be a more reliable option in such situations as they avoid the problematic regions and transmit sound directly to the cochlea.
Best Candidates For Bone Conduction
Bone conduction devices are beneficial for:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has trouble moving through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Relentless ear infections or problems with fluid drainage could be aggravated by traditional hearing aids.
- Individuals with misshapen ear canals or missing outer ears, who might not be prospects for traditional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has severe hearing loss or no hearing. These devices offer a non-invasive alternative that is frequently more comfortable, particularly for kids and adults who have persisting ear issues.
Implantable vs. Non-Implantable Options:
There are two primary classifications of bone conduction options: Implantable and non-implantable devices.
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are usually held in place with a headband, softband, or sticky pad. They’re ideal for children, people trying bone conduction for the first time, or people not prepared for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically installed): These devices include a small implant under the skin that connects to an external sound processor. They tend to provide stronger performance and reliability for long-term users. A professional assessment by an audiologist or ENT specialist will determine the most appropriate option for you, considering your age, individual anatomy, and personal hearing objectives.
Perks of Employing Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to put anything inside the ear canal
- Good audio quality stays consistent, despite ongoing issues with the ears
- Great for distinct anatomy– helpful for people 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 copes with hearing in one or both ears, especially due to persistent infections or conductive issues, bone conduction hearing devices might be worth exploring.
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