When the majority of people 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 dealing with persistent ear issues or single-sided deafness, a distinct type of technology could offer better clarity and comfort: bone conduction hearing devices.
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 allows sound to get to the auditory nerve even when there is a blockage or injury in the ear canal. Consider this example: When you put your hands over your ears and are still able to hear the sound of your own voice while talking, that’s an example of bone conduction working.
Bone Conduction vs. Traditional Hearing Aids
Conventional hearing aids boost sound and funnel it through the ear canal. This approach is particularly helpful for people who have experienced damage to the inner ear or the nerve in charge of transmitting 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 problems, standard hearing aids may not be effective or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are typically a better option in these cases because they bypass the problem areas and send sound straight to your cochlea.
Bone Conduction Candidates
Bone conduction devices are beneficial for:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has difficulty moving through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Relentless ear infections or problems with fluid drainage could be aggravated by traditional hearing aids.
- People with flawed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who may not qualify for conventional devices.
- A condition known as one-sided deafness, where a person experiences significant or total hearing loss in one ear. These devices provide a non-intrusive option that is typically more comfortable, especially for people, both young and old, who experience frequent ear problems.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable solutions:
There are two principal classifications 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 are excellent for children, those experimenting with bone conduction for the first time, or individuals who are 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 provide more robust and reliable results. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help decide which option is right based upon your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Key Benefits of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Suitable for sensitive ears – does not necessitate insertion into the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, even with chronic ear issues
- Great for distinct anatomy– helpful for individuals born without a complete outer ear or with other structural variations
- Enhanced 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, particularly because of ongoing infections or issues with sound transmission, it may be beneficial to think about bone conduction hearing devices.
Schedule 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
