When the majority of people think of hearing aids, they think of conventional devices that amplify sound through the ear canal. But for people with certain types of hearing loss, particularly those dealing with persistent ear issues or single-sided deafness, a different type of technology could provide 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. Instead of transmitting sound through the air, they transmit vibrations through the bones of the skull to the inner ear (cochlea), where the sound is processed. This means that even if the ear canal is blocked or damaged, sound can still reach the auditory nerve. Think of it like this: If you’ve ever stopped up your ears and still been able to hear your voice when talking, that’s bone conduction.
Bone Conduction vs. Conventional Hearing Aids
Conventional hearing aids amplify sound and funnel it through the ear canal. This strategy is especially helpful for people who have experienced damage to the inner ear or the nerve responsible for transferring sound, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss. However, if there are issues with the external or middle ear dued to infection, fluid accumulation, or structural problems, conventional hearing aids might not work efficiently or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices can be a more effective option in such situations as they avoid the problematic areas and transfer sound directly to the cochlea.
Best Candidates For Bone Conduction
Situations where bone conduction devices are appropriate:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has difficulty traveling through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Relentless ear infections or issues 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 offer a non-invasive option that is frequently more comfortable, particularly for kids and adults who have recurring ear problems.
Implantable vs. Non-Implantable Options:
There are two principal categories of bone conduction choices: Implantable and non-implantable devices.
- External non-implantable devices are usually secured with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They are perfect for kids, those trying out bone conduction for the first time, or people who are not prepared for surgery.
- Surgically implanted devices consist of a tiny device inserted beneath the skin, which is connected to a separate sound processor mounted outside the body. They usually offer stronger performance and stability for long-term users. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help determine which option is appropriate based upon your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Advantages of Employing Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to place anything into the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, despite having persistent ear problems
- Great for unique anatomy– helpful for people born without a complete outer ear or with other structural variations
- Enhanced communication– especially in school, work, or noisy settings
If you or your child copes with hearing in one or both ears, particularly due to chronic infections or conductive problems, bone conduction hearing devices could be worth exploring.
Make an appointment with an audiologist today to get further 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