When the majority of individuals think of hearing aids, they think of traditional devices that boost sound through the ear canal. For people struggling with specific hearing impairments, such as relentless ear problems or unilateral deafness, an alternative option may provide enhanced sound quality and user comfort: bone conduction hearing aids.
The Functionality of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
Bone conduction hearing devices function by bypassing the outer and middle ear. Rather than depending on airwaves to convey sound, these devices use the skull’s bones to direct vibrations directly to the cochlea, the inner ear’s sound-processing center. This allows sound to reach the auditory nerve even when 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.
Comparison between Bone Conduction and Conventional Hearing Aids
Conventional hearing aids increase sound and direct it into the ear canal. This approach is particularly helpful for individuals who have had damage to the inner ear or the nerve responsible for transferring sound, causing sensorineural hearing loss. But if the issue is with the outer or middle ear, as a result of infection, fluid buildup, or structural issues, traditional hearing aids may not be reliable or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices can be a more reliable alternative in such situations as they steer clear of the problematic regions 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 traveling through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Relentless ear infections or problems with fluid drainage could be intensified by conventional hearing aids.
- Individuals with flawed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who may not qualify for conventional devices.
- A condition called unilateral deafness, where a person experiences significant or total hearing loss in one ear. These devices provide a non-invasive option that is frequently more comfortable, especially for children and adults with recurring ear problems.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable techniques:
There are two primary classifications of bone conduction choices: Implantable and non-implantable devices.
- External non-implantable devices are usually secured using a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They’re ideal for children, individuals trying out bone conduction for the first time, or people not prepared for surgery.
- Surgically implanted devices involve a tiny device placed underneath the skin, which is connected to a separate sound processor mounted outside the body. They usually offer stronger performance and stability for long-term users. A professional evaluation by an audiologist or ENT specialist will determine the most appropriate option for you, considering your age, particular anatomy, and personal hearing objectives.
Key Advantages of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Suitable for sensitive ears – does not require insertion into the ear canal
- Good audio quality stays consistent, despite ongoing issues with the ears
- Excellent for unique anatomy– helpful for people born without a complete outer ear or with other structural differences
- Enhanced communication is especially beneficial in instructional settings, professional environments, or noisy surroundings
If you or your child struggles with hearing in one or both ears, particularly as a result of chronic infections or conductive problems, bone conduction hearing devices might be worth exploring.
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