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 persistent ear problems 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. Rather than depending on airwaves to convey sound, these devices utilize the head’s bones to channel vibrations directly to the cochlea, the inner ear’s sound-processing hub. This means that even when the ear canal is blocked or damaged, sound can still reach the auditory nerve. Consider this example: When you cover your ears and are still able to hear the sound of your own voice while talking, that’s an illustration of bone conduction working.
Bone Conduction vs. Traditional Hearing Aids
Traditional hearing aids amplify sound and direct it through the ear canal. This approach is particularly helpful for people who have had 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, due to infection, fluid buildup, or structural problems, conventional hearing aids might not be reliable or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a more effective option in such scenarios as they steer clear of the problematic areas and transfer sound directly to the cochlea.
Bone Conduction Candidates
Bone conduction devices are beneficial for:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has trouble moving through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Chronic ear infections or drainage problems, where conventional hearing aids could aggravate the condition.
- Individuals with flawed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who might not qualify for conventional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has severe hearing loss or no hearing. These devices offer a non-invasive option that is frequently more comfortable, especially for children and adults with recurring ear problems.
Implantable vs. Non-Implantable Options:
There are two primary categories of bone conduction options: Implantable and non-implantable devices.
- External non-implantable devices are usually fastened using a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They are perfect for kids, people trying out bone conduction for the first time, or individuals who are not prepared for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically installed): These devices consist of a small implant under the skin that connects to an external sound processor. They tend to provide more robust performance and reliability for long-term users. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help decide which option is right based on your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Advantages of Using Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to put anything inside the ear canal
- Great audio quality remains consistent, despite ongoing issues with the ears
- Ideal for those with distinct physical attributes – this alternative is especially beneficial for individuals with congenital conditions impacting the outer ear or other anatomical variations.
- Enhanced communication is particularly beneficial in instructional settings, professional environments, or noisy surroundings
If you or your child has difficulty hearing in one or both ears, especially because of ongoing infections or issues with sound transmission, it might be beneficial to consider bone conduction hearing devices.
Book an appointment with an audiologist today to get more 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