When most people think of hearing aids, they picture conventional devices that amplify sound through the ear canal. But for people with specific types of hearing loss, particularly those coping with chronic ear problems or single-sided deafness, a distinct kind of technology could provide better quality and comfort: bone conduction hearing devices.
How Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Work
Bone conduction hearing devices work by bypassing the outer and middle ear. Instead of sending sound through the air, they transfer vibrations through the bones of the head to the inner ear (cochlea), where the sound is processed. This allows sound to reach the auditory nerve even if there is a blockage or injury in the ear canal. Think of it like this: If you’ve ever stopped up your ears and still heard your voice when talking, 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, due to infection, fluid buildup, or structural problems, traditional hearing aids might not be effective or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a better option in these cases because they bypass the issue areas and deliver sound directly to your cochlea.
Best Candidates For Bone Conduction
Situations where bone conduction devices are appropriate:
- Sound waves are unable to pass through the outer or middle ear, resulting in conductive hearing loss.
- Relentless ear infections or problems with fluid drainage could be aggravated by traditional hearing aids.
- Individuals with malformed ear canals or missing outer ears, who may not be candidates for conventional devices.
- A condition known as one-sided deafness, where an individual experiences substantial or complete hearing loss in one ear. These gadgets offer a non-intrusive option that is typically more comfortable, especially for individuals, both young and old, who experience recurring ear issues.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable solutions:
There are two main types of bone conduction hearing devices:
- External non-implantable devices are usually secured with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They’re suitable for children, people trying bone conduction for the first time, or individuals not prepared for surgery.
- Surgically implanted devices involve a tiny device inserted underneath the skin, which is linked to a separate sound processor worn outside the body. They tend to provide more robust performance and stability for long-term users. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help decide which option is appropriate based upon your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Key Advantages of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Ideal for sensitive ears – does not require insertion into the ear canal
- Good audio quality stays consistent, despite ongoing problems with the ears
- Ideal for those with distinct physical characteristics – this alternative is especially beneficial for individuals with congenital conditions affecting the outer ear or other anatomical variations.
- Improved communication is especially advantageous in instructional settings, professional environments, or loud surroundings
If you or your child has difficulty hearing in one or both ears, especially because of recurring infections or problems with sound transmission, it might be helpful to consider bone conduction hearing devices.
Set up an assessment 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