When the majority of people think about hearing aids, they picture traditional devices that boost sound through the ear canal. For people struggling with certain hearing impairments, including relentless ear problems or unilateral deafness, an alternative solution might provide enhanced sound quality and user comfort: bone conduction hearing aids.
The Capability of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
With bone conduction hearing devices, the outer and middle ear are bypassed. Rather than relying on airwaves to transmit sound, these devices utilize the skull’s bones to channel vibrations directly to the cochlea, the inner ear’s sound-processing center. This allows sound to get to the auditory nerve even when there is a blockage or injury in the ear canal. Think of it like this: If you’ve ever stopped up your ears and still heard your voice when speaking, that’s bone conduction.
Bone Conduction vs. Traditional Hearing Aids
Conventional hearing aids amplify sound and funnel it through the ear canal. This strategy is especially helpful for individuals who have had damage to the inner ear or the nerve responsible for transferring sound, causing sensorineural hearing loss. But if the issue is with the outer or middle ear, due to infection, fluid buildup, or structural issues, conventional hearing aids may not be reliable or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices can be a more reliable option in such situations as they steer clear of the problematic areas and transfer sound directly to the cochlea.
Best Candidates For Bone Conduction
Situations where bone conduction devices are appropriate:
- Sound waves are unable to pass through the outer or middle ear, resulting in conductive hearing loss.
- Relentless ear infections or issues with fluid drainage could be aggravated by conventional hearing aids.
- Individuals with misshapen ear canals or missing outer ears, who might not be candidates for conventional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has severe hearing loss or no hearing. These devices offer a non-intrusive option that is frequently more comfortable, particularly for people, both young and old, who experience frequent ear issues.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable solutions:
There are two principal categories of bone conduction options: Implantable and non-implantable devices.
- External non-implantable devices are generally fastened using a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They are excellent for kids, people trying out bone conduction for the first time, or individuals who are not prepared for surgery.
- Surgically embeded devices consist of a tiny device placed underneath the skin, which is connected to a separate sound processor worn outside the body. They tend to provide stronger performance and stability for long-term users. A professional assessment by an audiologist or ENT specialist will identify the most appropriate option for you, taking into account your age, individual 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, despite having chronic ear issues
- Great for unique anatomy– helpful for people born without a complete outer ear or with other structural variations
- Improved communication– particularly in school, work, or noisy environments
If you or your child has trouble hearing in one or both ears, especially because of recurring infections or issues with sound transmission, it may be helpful to think about bone conduction hearing devices.
Set up an assessment 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