When the majority of people think of hearing aids, they think of conventional devices that boost sound through the ear canal. For individuals struggling with certain hearing impairments, such as relentless ear issues or unilateral deafness, a different option may supply improved sound quality and user comfort: bone conduction hearing aids.
How Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Work
Bone conduction hearing devices function by bypassing the outer and middle ear. Rather than depending on airwaves to convey sound, these devices utilize the head’s bones to direct vibrations directly to the cochlea, the inner ear’s sound-processing center. This means that even when the ear canal is obstructed or damaged, sound can still reach the auditory nerve. Think of it this way: If you’ve ever stopped up your ears and still heard your voice when speaking, that’s bone conduction.
Distinction between Bone Conduction and Conventional Hearing Devices
Standard hearing aids increase sound and direct it into the ear canal. This works well for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is compromised. But if the problem is with the outer or middle ear, as a result of infection, fluid buildup, or structural problems, traditional hearing aids may not be effective or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices can be a more reliable option in such scenarios as they steer clear of the problematic regions and transmit sound directly to the 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 issues, where conventional hearing aids could worsen the condition.
- People with flawed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who may not qualify for conventional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has severe hearing loss or no hearing. These devices provide a non-invasive alternative that is frequently more comfortable, particularly for children and adults who have recurring ear problems.
Implantable vs. Non-Implantable Options:
There are two principal classifications of bone conduction options: Implantable and non-implantable devices.
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are usually held in place with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They are excellent for kids, those trying out bone conduction for the first time, or people who are not prepared for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically installed): These devices consist of a small implant under the skin that connects to an external sound processor. They usually offer more robust performance and stability for long-term users. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help determine which option is right based on your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Advantages of Using Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Suitable for sensitive ears – does not require insertion into the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, even with chronic ear issues
- Ideal for people with distinct physical attributes – this alternative is especially helpful for people with congenital conditions affecting the outer ear or other anatomical variations.
- Improved communication– especially in school, work, or noisy environments
If you or your child has trouble hearing in one or both ears, especially because of ongoing infections or issues with sound transmission, it might be helpful to consider bone conduction hearing devices.
Set up 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