When the majority of individuals think of hearing aids, they think of traditional devices that boost sound through the ear canal. For people struggling with specific hearing impairments, such as persistent ear problems or unilateral deafness, a different 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 relying on airwaves to transmit sound, these devices utilize the head’s bones to direct vibrations directly to the cochlea, the inner ear’s sound-processing hub. This allows sound to get to the auditory nerve even when there is a blockage or injury in the ear canal. Think of it this way: If you’ve ever stopped up your ears and still been able to hear your voice when speaking, that’s bone conduction.
Distinction between Bone Conduction and Conventional Hearing Devices
Conventional hearing aids amplify sound and direct it through the ear canal. This approach is especially helpful for people who have had damage to the inner ear or the nerve in charge of transmitting sound, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss. But if the problem is with the outer or middle ear, due to infection, fluid buildup, or structural issues, traditional hearing aids may not be effective or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices can be a more effective option in such scenarios as they steer clear of the problematic areas and transmit sound directly to the cochlea.
Bone Conduction Candidates
Situations where bone conduction devices are appropriate:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has difficulty traveling through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Persistent ear infections or problems with fluid drainage could be intensified by traditional hearing aids.
- Individuals with malformed ear canals or missing outer ears, who may not be prospects for conventional devices.
- A condition called one-sided deafness, where an individual experiences significant or complete hearing loss in one ear. These gadgets provide a non-intrusive option that is frequently more comfortable, especially for people, both young and old, who experience frequent 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 adhesive pad. They’re ideal for children, people trying bone conduction for the first time, or people 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 usually offer stronger performance and reliability for long-term users. A professional evaluation by an audiologist or ENT specialist will identify the most suitable option for you, considering your age, particular anatomy, and personal hearing objectives.
Advantages of Using Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Ideal for sensitive ears – does not require insertion into the ear canal
- Good audio quality remains consistent, in spite of ongoing issues with the ears
- Ideal for individuals with distinct physical attributes – this alternative is especially beneficial for individuals with congenital conditions affecting the outer ear or other physiological variations.
- Enhanced communication– particularly in school, work, or noisy environments
If you or your child struggles with hearing in one or both ears, especially due to chronic infections or conductive issues, bone conduction hearing devices might be worth exploring.
Make 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