Typically, the idea of hearing aids conjures up the idea of conventional devices that raise the volume of sound through the canal of the ear. But for individuals with specific types of hearing loss, particularly those coping with persistent 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
Bone conduction hearing devices function by bypassing the outer and middle ear. Rather than relying 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 hub. This means that even when the ear canal is blocked or damaged, sound can still get to the auditory nerve. 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.
Bone Conduction vs. Traditional Hearing Aids
Standard hearing aids increase sound and send it into the ear canal. This works effectively for individuals who have 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 collection, or structural problems, conventional hearing aids might not work efficiently or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a more reliable alternative in such scenarios as they steer clear of the problematic regions and transmit sound directly to the cochlea.
Bone Conduction Candidates
Bone conduction devices are beneficial for:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has trouble moving through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Persistent ear infections or issues with fluid drainage could be aggravated by conventional hearing aids.
- Individuals with malformed ear canals or missing outer ears, who might 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 devices provide a non-invasive alternative that is frequently more comfortable, especially for kids and adults who have recurring ear issues.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable solutions:
There are two principal categories of bone conduction choices: Implantable and non-implantable devices.
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are usually kept in place with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They’re ideal for children, those trying bone conduction for the first time, or individuals not ready for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically installed): These devices include a small implant under the skin that connects to an external sound processor. Long-term users typically find that they provide more effective and reliable results. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help determine which option is appropriate based upon your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Perks of Employing Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to put anything into the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, despite having chronic ear issues
- Excellent for unique anatomy– helpful for people born without a full outer ear or with other structural variations
- Enhanced communication– particularly in school, work, or noisy environments
If you or your child has trouble hearing in one or both ears, particularly because of ongoing infections or problems with sound transmission, it may be helpful to think about bone conduction hearing devices.
Set up 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
