When most people think of hearing aids, they picture conventional devices that boost sound through the ear canal. For people struggling with certain hearing impairments, such as persistent ear issues or unilateral deafness, an alternative option might supply enhanced sound quality and user comfort: bone conduction hearing aids.
How Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Work
Bone conduction hearing devices function by bypassing the outer and middle ear. Rather than relying on airwaves to transmit sound, these devices use 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. Consider this example: When you cover your ears and are still able to hear the sound of your own voice when speaking, that’s an example of bone conduction working.
Bone Conduction vs. Traditional Hearing Aids
Conventional hearing aids increase sound and send it into the ear canal. This works well for people who have sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged. However, if there are problems with the external or middle ear dued to infection, fluid collection, or structural concerns, standard hearing aids may not work efficiently or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a better solution in these instances because they bypass the issue areas and send sound straight to your cochlea.
Best Candidates For Bone Conduction
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.
- Chronic ear infections or drainage issues, where conventional hearing aids could worsen the condition.
- Individuals with malformed ear canals or missing outer ears, who might not be candidates for traditional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has profound hearing loss or no hearing. These devices offer a non-intrusive option that is frequently more comfortable, especially for individuals, both young and old, who experience frequent ear issues.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable techniques:
There are two principal classifications of bone conduction choices: Implantable and non-implantable devices.
- External non-implantable devices are generally fastened using a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They’re ideal for children, individuals trying bone conduction for the first time, or people not prepared for surgery.
- Surgically implanted devices involve a tiny device inserted beneath the skin, which is connected to a separate sound processor worn outside the body. They tend to 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.
Key Advantages of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to put anything into the ear canal
- Good audio quality remains consistent, in spite of ongoing problems with the ears
- Excellent for unique anatomy– helpful for individuals born without a full outer ear or with other structural variations
- Improved communication– especially in school, work, or noisy settings
If you or your child copes with hearing in one or both ears, particularly due to persistent infections or conductive problems, bone conduction hearing devices might be worth exploring.
Book 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
