Usually, the concept of hearing aids invokes the idea of conventional devices that boost sound through the canal of the ear. For people struggling with specific hearing impairments, including relentless ear issues or unilateral deafness, a different solution may supply improved sound quality and user comfort: bone conduction hearing aids.
The Capability of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
With bone conduction hearing devices, the outer and middle ear are bypassed. Rather than sending sound through the air, they transfer vibrations through the bones of the skull to the inner ear (cochlea), where the sound is processed. This allows sound to get to the auditory nerve even when there is an obstruction or injury in the ear canal. Think about this example: When you cover your ears and still manage to hear the sound of your own voice when talking, that’s an example of bone conduction at work.
Bone Conduction vs. Traditional Hearing Aids
Traditional hearing aids amplify sound and funnel it through the ear canal. This works effectively for people with sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged. On the other hand, if there are problems with the outer or middle ear caused by infection, fluid accumulation, or structural concerns, conventional hearing aids might not work well or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a better solution in these cases because they skip over the issue areas and send sound directly to your cochlea.
Bone Conduction Candidates
Bone conduction devices are beneficial for:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has trouble 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 flawed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who might not qualify for conventional devices.
- A condition called unilateral deafness, where an individual experiences substantial or total hearing loss in one ear. These devices offer a non-invasive option that is frequently more comfortable, especially for children and adults with persisting ear problems.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable techniques:
There are two principal classifications of bone conduction options: Implantable and non-implantable devices.
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are typically kept in place with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They are excellent for children, people experimenting with bone conduction for the first time, or people who are 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 usually provide more robust performance and reliability for long-term users. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help decide which option is right based upon your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Perks of Employing Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Suitable for sensitive ears – does not necessitate insertion into the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, despite having chronic ear issues
- Excellent for unique anatomy– helpful for people born without a complete outer ear or with other structural variations
- Enhanced communication is particularly beneficial in instructional settings, professional environments, or loud surroundings
If you or your child copes with hearing in one or both ears, particularly as a result of chronic infections or conductive issues, bone conduction hearing devices could 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