When most individuals think of hearing aids, they picture conventional devices that amplify sound through the ear canal. For individuals struggling with certain hearing impairments, such as relentless ear issues or unilateral deafness, an alternative solution may provide enhanced sound quality and user comfort: bone conduction hearing aids.
The Functionality of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
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 skull to the inner ear (cochlea), where the sound is processed. This means that even when the ear canal is obstructed or damaged, sound can still get to the auditory nerve. Think of it this way: If you’ve ever plugged your ears and still heard your voice when speaking, that’s bone conduction.
Bone Conduction vs. Conventional Hearing Aids
Conventional hearing aids boost 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 damaged. But if the problem is with the outer or middle ear, as a result of infection, fluid accumulation, or structural problems, traditional hearing aids might not be reliable or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a more effective option in such situations as they steer clear of the problematic areas and transmit sound directly to the cochlea.
Best Candidates For Bone Conduction
Situations where bone conduction devices are appropriate:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has trouble traveling through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Chronic ear infections or drainage issues, where conventional hearing aids could aggravate the condition.
- Individuals with flawed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who might not qualify for traditional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has severe hearing loss or no hearing. These devices provide a non-invasive alternative that is often more comfortable, particularly for children and adults with recurring ear problems.
Implantable vs. Non-Implantable Solutions:
There are two principal categories of bone conduction choices: Implantable and non-implantable devices.
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are usually held in place with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They’re ideal for children, individuals trying bone conduction for the first time, or people not ready for surgery.
- Surgically implanted devices involve a tiny device placed underneath the skin, which is linked to a separate sound processor worn outside the body. Long-term users typically find that they supply more effective and dependable results. A professional assessment by an audiologist or ENT specialist will identify the most appropriate option for you, considering your age, particular anatomy, and personal hearing objectives.
Key Advantages of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Ideal for sensitive ears – does not necessitate insertion into the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, despite having persistent ear problems
- Perfect for individuals with distinct physical characteristics – this option is especially helpful for individuals with congenital conditions affecting the outer ear or other physiological variations.
- Improved communication– especially 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 issues with sound transmission, it may be helpful to consider bone conduction hearing devices.
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