Usually, the idea of hearing aids conjures up the idea of traditional devices that boost sound through the canal of the ear. For individuals struggling with certain hearing impairments, such as relentless ear problems or unilateral deafness, a different solution might provide enhanced sound quality and user comfort: bone conduction hearing aids.
How Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Work
With bone conduction hearing devices, the outer and middle ear are bypassed. Instead of sending sound through the air, they transmit vibrations through the bones of the head to the inner ear (cochlea), where the sound is processed. This means that even if the ear canal is obstructed or damaged, sound can still reach the auditory nerve. Think of it this way: If you’ve ever plugged your ears and still heard your voice when talking, that’s bone conduction.
Comparison between Bone Conduction and Conventional Hearing Aids
Traditional hearing aids boost sound and direct it through the ear canal. This approach is especially effective for individuals who have had damage to the inner ear or the nerve in charge of transmitting sound, causing sensorineural hearing loss. But if the issue is with the outer or middle ear, due to infection, fluid buildup, or structural problems, conventional hearing aids might not be reliable or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices can be a more reliable option in such scenarios 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 issues with fluid drainage could be aggravated by conventional hearing aids.
- People with malformed ear canals or missing outer ears, who might not be prospects for conventional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has severe hearing loss or no hearing. These devices offer a non-invasive option that is frequently more comfortable, particularly for children and adults who have persisting ear problems.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable techniques:
There are two principal classifications of bone conduction options: Implantable and non-implantable devices.
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are typically held in place with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They are excellent for children, people experimenting with bone conduction for the first time, or people who are not prepared for surgery.
- Surgically implanted devices involve a tiny device placed underneath the skin, which is connected to a separate sound processor mounted outside the body. They tend to provide stronger performance and reliability for long-term users. A professional assessment by an audiologist or ENT specialist will identify the most suitable solution for you, considering your age, particular anatomy, and personal hearing objectives.
Key Benefits of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Suitable for sensitive ears – does not necessitate insertion into the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, despite having persistent ear issues
- Excellent for distinct anatomy– helpful for people born without a full outer ear or with other structural variations
- Enhanced communication– especially in school, work, or noisy settings
If you or your child has difficulty hearing in one or both ears, especially because of recurring infections or issues with sound transmission, it might be helpful to consider bone conduction hearing devices.
Make 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