When the majority of individuals think of hearing aids, they think of traditional devices that boost sound through the ear canal. But for individuals with certain types of hearing loss, especially those dealing with persistent ear problems or single-sided deafness, a different kind of technology could offer better quality and comfort: bone conduction hearing devices.
The Functionality of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
Bone conduction hearing devices function by bypassing the outer and middle ear. Rather than relying on airwaves to convey sound, these devices use the skull’s bones to channel vibrations directly to the cochlea, the inner ear’s sound-processing center. This allows sound to reach the auditory nerve even if there is an obstruction 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 while talking, that’s an example of bone conduction at work.
Distinction between Bone Conduction and Traditional Hearing Aids
Standard hearing aids increase sound and send it into the ear canal. This works effectively for individuals who have sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is compromised. But if the issue is with the outer or middle ear, due to infection, fluid accumulation, or structural issues, traditional hearing aids may not be reliable or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a more reliable alternative 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 difficulty moving through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Persistent ear infections or issues with fluid drainage could be aggravated by conventional hearing aids.
- People with flawed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who may 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, especially for children and adults with recurring ear problems.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable solutions
There are two main kinds of bone conduction hearing devices:
- External non-implantable devices are usually secured using a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They are perfect for children, those trying out bone conduction for the first time, or people who are not prepared for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically placed): These devices consist of a small implant under the skin that connects with an external sound processor. They usually offer more robust 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 Using Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to place anything inside the ear canal
- Great audio quality remains consistent, in spite of recurring problems with the ears
- Great for unique anatomy– helpful for people born without a full outer ear or with other structural variations
- Improved communication is particularly beneficial in educational settings, professional environments, or noisy surroundings
If you or your child has difficulty hearing in one or both ears, particularly because of recurring infections or issues with sound transmission, it might be beneficial to think about 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