Usually, the concept of hearing aids conjures up the idea of traditional devices that raise the volume of sound through the canal of the ear. For individuals struggling with certain hearing impairments, such as relentless ear issues or unilateral deafness, an alternative solution might provide improved sound quality and user comfort: bone conduction hearing aids.
How Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Work
With bone conduction hearing devices, the outer and middle ear are bypassed. Rather than relying on airwaves to convey sound, these devices utilize 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 if there is an obstruction or injury in the ear canal. Think about this example: When you put your hands over your ears and are still able to hear the sound of your own voice while speaking, that’s an example of bone conduction working.
Distinction between Bone Conduction and Traditional Hearing Aids
Traditional hearing aids amplify sound and direct it through the ear canal. This approach is especially effective for people who have experienced damage to the inner ear or the nerve in charge of transmitting sound, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss. However, if there are problems with the external or middle ear dued to infection, fluid accumulation, or structural problems, conventional hearing aids may not work well or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices can be a more effective alternative in such scenarios as they steer clear of the problematic areas and transmit sound directly to the cochlea.
Bone Conduction Candidates
Situations where bone conduction devices are appropriate:
- Sound waves are unable to travel through the outer or middle ear, resulting in conductive hearing loss.
- Relentless ear infections or problems with fluid drainage could be aggravated by conventional hearing aids.
- People with deformed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who might not qualify for conventional devices.
- A condition called one-sided deafness, where a person experiences significant or total hearing loss in one ear. These devices offer a non-intrusive option that is frequently more comfortable, particularly for people, both young and old, who experience recurring ear problems.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable solutions:
There are two primary classifications of bone conduction options: Implantable and non-implantable devices.
- External non-implantable devices are usually secured with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They are excellent for children, 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 linked to a separate sound processor mounted outside the body. Long-term users often find that they supply more effective and reliable results. A professional evaluation by an audiologist or ENT specialist will identify the most appropriate solution for you, taking into account your age, individual anatomy, and personal hearing objectives.
Key Advantages of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to put anything into the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, despite having chronic ear problems
- Excellent for unique anatomy– helpful for individuals born without a full outer ear or with other structural variations
- Improved communication is especially beneficial in instructional settings, professional environments, or loud surroundings
If you or your child copes with hearing in one or both ears, particularly due to persistent infections or conductive problems, bone conduction hearing devices might be worth exploring.
Schedule 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