When most individuals think about hearing aids, they picture traditional devices that boost sound through the ear canal. But for individuals with certain kinds of hearing loss, particularly those coping with chronic ear issues or single-sided deafness, a different kind of technology could offer better quality and comfort: bone conduction hearing devices.
How Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Work
With bone conduction hearing devices, the outer and middle ear are bypassed. Rather than transmitting 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 when 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 when speaking, that’s an illustration of bone conduction working.
Comparison between Bone Conduction and Conventional Hearing Devices
Traditional hearing aids boost sound and direct it through the ear canal. This works effectively for people with sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is compromised. On the other hand, if there are issues with the external or middle ear dued to infection, fluid accumulation, or structural concerns, conventional hearing aids might not work well or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a more effective option in such scenarios as they steer clear of the problematic regions and transmit sound directly to the cochlea.
Bone Conduction Candidates
Bone conduction devices are beneficial for:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has difficulty traveling through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Chronic ear infections or drainage problems, where conventional hearing aids could worsen the condition.
- People with deformed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who may not qualify for traditional devices.
- A condition known as unilateral deafness, where an individual experiences significant or total hearing loss in one ear. These devices offer a non-intrusive option that is typically more comfortable, particularly for people, both young and old, who experience frequent ear issues.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable techniques:
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 kids, people trying out bone conduction for the first time, or people who are not prepared for surgery.
- Surgically implanted devices involve a tiny device inserted beneath the skin, which is connected to a separate sound processor worn outside the body. Long-term users often find that they supply more effective and reliable results. A professional assessment by an audiologist or ENT specialist will determine the most suitable option for you, taking into account your age, particular anatomy, and personal hearing objectives.
Key Benefits of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to put anything into the ear canal
- Great audio quality remains consistent, despite ongoing 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 advantageous in educational 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 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
