When most individuals think of hearing aids, they think of traditional devices that boost sound through the ear canal. But for people with specific kinds of hearing loss, particularly those coping with chronic ear problems or single-sided deafness, a distinct type of technology could offer better quality and comfort: bone conduction hearing devices.
How Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Work
With bone conduction hearing devices, the outer and middle ear are bypassed. Rather than depending on airwaves to convey sound, these devices use the skull’s bones to direct vibrations directly to the cochlea, the inner ear’s sound-processing center. This means that even when the ear canal is obstructed or damaged, sound can still get to the auditory nerve. Think about this example: When you cover your ears and are still able to hear the sound of your own voice while speaking, that’s an illustration of bone conduction working.
Distinction between Bone Conduction and Conventional Hearing Aids
Standard hearing aids increase sound and direct it into the ear canal. This works effectively for people with sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is compromised. On the other hand, if there are problems with the outer or middle ear due to infection, fluid accumulation, or structural concerns, standard hearing aids might not work efficiently or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices can be a more effective alternative in such scenarios as they avoid the problematic areas and transfer sound directly to the cochlea.
Bone Conduction Candidates
Bone conduction devices are helpful for:
- Sound waves are not able to travel through the outer or middle ear, leading to conductive hearing loss.
- Relentless ear infections or problems with fluid drainage could be intensified by conventional hearing aids.
- Individuals with malformed ear canals or missing outer ears, who might not be prospects for traditional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has profound hearing loss or no hearing. These devices provide a non-invasive option that is frequently more comfortable, particularly for kids and adults who have recurring ear issues.
Implantable vs. Non-Implantable Options:
There are two primary types of bone conduction hearing devices:
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are usually kept in place with a headband, softband, or sticky pad. They are excellent for children, people experimenting with bone conduction for the first time, or individuals who are not prepared for surgery.
- Surgically embedded devices consist of a tiny device placed beneath the skin, which is connected to a separate sound processor worn outside the body. They tend to offer more robust performance and reliability for long-term users. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help decide which option is appropriate based upon your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Key Benefits of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to put anything into the ear canal
- Great audio quality stays consistent, despite ongoing issues with the ears
- Great 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 difficulty hearing in one or both ears, particularly because of recurring infections or problems with sound transmission, it might be beneficial 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
