When the majority of people think of hearing aids, they picture conventional devices that boost sound through the ear canal. But for people with specific kinds of hearing loss, especially those dealing with persistent ear problems or single-sided deafness, a different kind of technology could provide better clarity and comfort: bone conduction hearing devices.
The Capability of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
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 allows sound to get to the auditory nerve even if there is a blockage or injury in the ear canal. Consider this example: When you put your hands over your ears and still manage to hear the sound of your own voice when speaking, that’s an example of bone conduction at work.
Comparison between Bone Conduction and Conventional Hearing Aids
Conventional hearing aids amplify sound and direct it through the ear canal. This works well for people who have sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is compromised. However, if there are issues with the outer or middle ear caused by infection, fluid accumulation, or structural problems, standard hearing aids might not work efficiently or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a better solution in these cases because they bypass the problem areas and send sound directly to your 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.
- Persistent ear infections or problems with fluid drainage could be intensified by traditional hearing aids.
- People with misshapen ear canals or missing outer ears, who might not be prospects for conventional devices.
- A condition called unilateral deafness, where an individual experiences significant or complete hearing loss in one ear. These devices offer a non-invasive alternative that is often more comfortable, particularly for children and adults who have persisting ear problems.
Implantable vs. Non-Implantable Options:
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 sticky pad. They are perfect for kids, 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 beneath the skin, which is linked to a separate sound processor mounted outside the body. Long-term users typically find that they supply more robust and dependable results. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help decide which option is right based upon your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Key Advantages of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Suitable for sensitive ears – does not require insertion into the ear canal
- Great audio quality remains consistent, in spite of ongoing issues with the ears
- Perfect for individuals with distinct physical attributes – this alternative is particularly beneficial for people with congenital conditions impacting the outer ear or other physiological variations.
- Improved communication– particularly in school, work, or noisy settings
If you or your child struggles with hearing in one or both ears, especially due to chronic infections or conductive problems, bone conduction hearing devices could be worth exploring.
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