When most people think of hearing aids, they picture conventional devices that boost sound through the ear canal. But for people with certain kinds of hearing loss, particularly those coping with chronic ear problems or single-sided deafness, a different kind of technology could provide better clarity and comfort: bone conduction hearing devices.
How Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Work
Bone conduction hearing devices function 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 center. This allows sound to reach the auditory nerve even when there is an obstruction or injury in the ear canal. Consider this example: When you cover your ears and still manage to hear the sound of your own voice when talking, that’s an example of bone conduction at work.
Bone Conduction vs. Conventional Hearing Aids
Standard hearing aids increase sound and send it into the ear canal. This approach is especially helpful for people who have experienced damage to the inner ear or the nerve in charge of transferring sound, causing sensorineural hearing loss. But if the problem is with the outer or middle ear, as a result of infection, fluid accumulation, or structural issues, conventional hearing aids might not be effective or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are typically a better solution in these instances because they skip over the issue areas and deliver sound directly to your cochlea.
Bone Conduction Candidates
Bone conduction devices are helpful for:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has difficulty traveling through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Relentless ear infections or issues with fluid drainage could be aggravated by traditional hearing aids.
- Individuals with flawed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who may not qualify for conventional devices.
- A condition called unilateral deafness, where a person experiences substantial or total hearing loss in one ear. These devices provide a non-invasive option that is frequently more comfortable, particularly for children and adults who have recurring ear problems.
Implantable vs. Non-Implantable Options:
There are two principal classifications of bone conduction choices: 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, those trying bone conduction for the first time, or people not prepared for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically placed): These devices include a small implant under the skin that connects with an external sound processor. Long-term users typically find that they supply more effective and reliable results. A professional evaluation by an audiologist or ENT specialist will determine the most appropriate solution for you, taking into account your age, particular anatomy, and personal hearing objectives.
Key Advantages of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to place anything into the ear canal
- Good audio quality remains consistent, in spite of ongoing issues with the ears
- Perfect for those with distinct physical characteristics – this option is especially beneficial for people with congenital conditions affecting the outer ear or other physiological variations.
- Improved communication is particularly beneficial in educational settings, professional environments, or loud surroundings
If you or your child has trouble hearing in one or both ears, especially because of ongoing infections or issues with sound transmission, it might be beneficial to think about bone conduction hearing devices.
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