When the majority of individuals think of hearing aids, they picture traditional devices that boost sound through the ear canal. But for individuals with certain types of hearing loss, especially those coping with persistent ear issues or single-sided deafness, a different type of technology could provide 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 sending sound through the air, they transfer vibrations through the bones of the head to the inner ear (cochlea), where the sound is processed. This means that even when the ear canal is obstructed or damaged, sound can still reach the auditory nerve. Think of it like this: If you’ve ever plugged your ears and still heard your voice when speaking, that’s bone conduction.
Bone Conduction vs. Conventional Hearing Aids
Standard hearing aids increase sound and direct it into the ear canal. This works effectively for individuals 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 dued to infection, fluid accumulation, or structural concerns, standard hearing aids might not work efficiently or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a better option in these instances because they skip over the issue 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 trouble traveling through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Persistent ear infections or drainage issues, where traditional hearing aids could aggravate the condition.
- People with misshapen ear canals or missing outer ears, who might 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 option that is often more comfortable, especially for children and adults with recurring 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 perfect for kids, people experimenting with bone conduction for the first time, or people who are not prepared for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically placed): These devices consist of a small implant under the skin that connects with an external sound processor. Long-term users typically find that they supply more effective and dependable results. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help decide which option is right based upon your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Advantages of Employing Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to place anything into the ear canal
- Great audio quality remains consistent, in spite of recurring issues with the ears
- Perfect for people with distinct physical attributes – this option is especially helpful for people with congenital conditions impacting the outer ear or other physiological variations.
- Improved communication– particularly in school, work, or noisy settings
If you or your child has trouble hearing in one or both ears, particularly because of recurring infections or issues with sound transmission, it might be beneficial to consider bone conduction hearing devices.
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