Usually, the idea of hearing aids conjures up the thought of conventional devices that raise the volume of sound through the canal of the ear. For individuals struggling with certain hearing impairments, including persistent ear issues or unilateral deafness, a different option may supply improved 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 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 if there is a blockage or injury in the ear canal. Think of it like this: If you’ve ever plugged your ears and still been able to hear your voice when speaking, that’s bone conduction.
Comparison between Bone Conduction and Conventional Hearing Aids
Standard hearing aids increase sound and send it into the ear canal. This works well for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is compromised. But if the problem is with the outer or middle ear, due to infection, fluid accumulation, or structural problems, conventional hearing aids might not be reliable or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices can be a more reliable option in such situations as they avoid the problematic areas and transmit sound directly to the cochlea.
Best Candidates For Bone Conduction
Bone conduction devices are beneficial for:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has difficulty traveling through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Persistent ear infections or drainage issues, where traditional hearing aids could aggravate the condition.
- People with misshapen ear canals or missing outer ears, who might not be prospects for conventional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has profound hearing loss or no hearing. These devices provide a non-invasive alternative that is often more comfortable, particularly for kids and adults who have recurring ear issues.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable solutions:
There are two main types of bone conduction hearing devices:
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are typically held in place with a headband, softband, or sticky pad. They are excellent for kids, people trying out bone conduction for the first time, or individuals who are not prepared for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically installed): These devices consist of a small implant under the skin that connects to an external sound processor. Long-term users typically find that they supply more robust and dependable results. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help determine which option is appropriate based upon your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Key Advantages of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to place anything into the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, even with chronic ear problems
- Great for unique anatomy– helpful for people born without a complete outer ear or with other structural variations
- Improved communication is particularly beneficial in educational settings, professional environments, or loud surroundings
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 could be worth exploring.
Schedule 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