When the majority of people think about hearing aids, they think of conventional devices that boost sound through the ear canal. But for individuals with specific types of hearing loss, particularly those dealing with chronic ear problems or single-sided deafness, a different kind of technology could provide better quality and comfort: bone conduction hearing devices.
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 utilize the head’s bones to channel vibrations directly to the cochlea, the inner ear’s sound-processing center. This allows sound to reach the auditory nerve even when there is a blockage or injury in the ear canal. Think about this example: When you put your hands over your ears and still manage to hear the sound of your own voice while speaking, that’s an illustration of bone conduction at work.
Bone Conduction vs. Traditional Hearing Aids
Conventional 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. On the other hand, if there are issues with the external or middle ear dued to infection, fluid accumulation, or structural concerns, standard hearing aids may not work well or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a more reliable alternative in such situations as they avoid the problematic areas and transfer 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 drainage issues, where conventional hearing aids could worsen the condition.
- Individuals with deformed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who may not qualify for conventional 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, especially for people, both young and old, who experience recurring ear issues.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable solutions:
There are two primary categories of bone conduction choices: Implantable and non-implantable devices.
- External non-implantable devices are usually secured using a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They’re suitable for children, individuals 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 with an external sound processor. Long-term users typically find that they provide more effective and reliable results. A professional assessment by an audiologist or ENT specialist will identify the most appropriate solution for you, considering your age, particular anatomy, and personal hearing objectives.
Key Advantages of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Suitable for sensitive ears – does not necessitate insertion into the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, even with chronic ear problems
- Great for unique anatomy– helpful for individuals born without a full outer ear or with other structural differences
- Enhanced communication– particularly in school, work, or noisy settings
If you or your child has trouble hearing in one or both ears, particularly because of ongoing infections or issues with sound transmission, it might be beneficial to consider bone conduction hearing devices.
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