When most people think about hearing aids, they picture conventional devices that boost sound through the ear canal. But for people with specific kinds of hearing loss, especially those coping with chronic ear problems or single-sided deafness, a different type of technology could offer better clarity and comfort: bone conduction hearing devices.
How Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Work
Bone conduction hearing devices function by bypassing the outer and middle ear. Rather than 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 get to the auditory nerve. Think of it this way: If you’ve ever plugged your ears and still been able to hear your voice when talking, that’s bone conduction.
Bone Conduction vs. Conventional Hearing Aids
Traditional hearing aids boost sound and funnel it through the ear canal. This works well for people with sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged. On the other hand, if there are problems with the outer or middle ear caused by infection, fluid collection, or structural concerns, standard hearing aids may not work efficiently or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are typically a better solution in these cases because they skip over the problem areas and send sound straight to your cochlea.
Bone Conduction Candidates
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 problems, where conventional hearing aids could aggravate the condition.
- Individuals with misshapen ear canals or missing outer ears, who may not be candidates for traditional devices.
- A condition known as one-sided deafness, where a person experiences significant or total hearing loss in one ear. These gadgets offer a non-intrusive option that is typically more comfortable, particularly for individuals, both young and old, who experience recurring ear problems.
Implantable vs. Non-Implantable Options:
There are two main kinds of bone conduction hearing devices:
- External non-implantable devices are generally secured using a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They are excellent for children, people experimenting with bone conduction for the first time, or people who are not prepared for surgery.
- Surgically implanted devices involve a tiny device inserted underneath the skin, which is connected to a separate sound processor mounted outside the body. They tend to offer more robust performance and reliability 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 Using Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Suitable for sensitive ears – does not necessitate insertion into the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, even with chronic ear issues
- Perfect for people with distinct physical attributes – this alternative is especially beneficial for people with congenital conditions affecting the outer ear or other anatomical variations.
- Improved communication is particularly beneficial in educational settings, professional environments, or loud surroundings
If you or your child copes with hearing in one or both ears, particularly as a result of chronic infections or conductive issues, bone conduction hearing devices might be worth exploring.
Book 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