Typically, the idea of hearing aids conjures up the idea of conventional devices that raise the volume of sound through the canal of the ear. For people struggling with certain hearing impairments, including persistent ear issues or unilateral deafness, an alternative option may provide improved sound quality and user comfort: bone conduction hearing aids.
How Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Work
Bone conduction hearing devices work by bypassing the outer and middle ear. Rather than relying on airwaves to convey sound, these devices use the head’s bones to direct vibrations directly to the cochlea, the inner ear’s sound-processing center. This allows sound to get to the auditory nerve even when there is a blockage or injury in the ear canal. Consider this example: When you cover your ears and are still able to hear the sound of your own voice when speaking, that’s an illustration of bone conduction working.
Comparison between Bone Conduction and Traditional Hearing Devices
Traditional hearing aids boost sound and direct it through the ear canal. This works well for people with sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged. But if the problem is with the outer or middle ear, as a result of infection, fluid buildup, or structural issues, conventional hearing aids may not be effective or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a better option in these instances because they skip over the problem areas and send sound directly to your cochlea.
Best Candidates For Bone Conduction
Bone conduction devices are beneficial for:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has difficulty moving through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Chronic ear infections or drainage problems, where traditional hearing aids could aggravate the condition.
- Individuals with misshapen ear canals or missing outer ears, who may not be candidates for conventional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has severe hearing loss or no hearing. These devices offer a non-invasive alternative that is often more comfortable, especially for children and adults who have persisting ear problems.
Implantable vs. Non-Implantable Solutions:
There are two primary kinds of bone conduction hearing devices:
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are usually kept in place with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They’re ideal for children, individuals trying out bone conduction for the first time, or individuals not ready for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically placed): These devices include a small implant under the skin that connects to an external sound processor. They tend to provide more robust performance and reliability for long-term users. A professional assessment by an audiologist or ENT specialist will determine the most appropriate option for you, considering your age, individual anatomy, and personal hearing objectives.
Key Benefits of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to place anything inside the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, despite having persistent ear problems
- Great for distinct anatomy– helpful for people born without a full outer ear or with other structural differences
- Enhanced communication is especially advantageous in educational 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 could be worth exploring.
Set up a consultation 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