When most individuals think of hearing aids, they think of conventional devices that amplify sound through the ear canal. For individuals struggling with certain hearing impairments, such as persistent ear problems or unilateral deafness, an alternative option 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 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 hub. This means that even when the ear canal is obstructed or damaged, sound can still get to the auditory nerve. Think of it like this: If you’ve ever stopped up 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 well for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged. But if the issue is with the outer or middle ear, as a result of infection, fluid accumulation, or structural issues, conventional hearing aids might not be effective or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are typically a better solution in these instances because they skip over the issue areas and deliver sound directly to your cochlea.
Best Candidates For Bone Conduction
Situations where bone conduction devices are appropriate:
- Sound waves are not able to travel through the outer or middle ear, resulting in conductive hearing loss.
- Persistent ear infections or issues with fluid drainage could be intensified by traditional hearing aids.
- People with deformed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who may not qualify for traditional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has profound hearing loss or no hearing. These devices provide a non-invasive alternative that is frequently more comfortable, especially for kids and adults who have recurring ear problems.
Implantable vs. Non-Implantable Options:
There are two primary categories of bone conduction choices: Implantable and non-implantable devices.
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are typically held in place with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They are perfect for children, those trying out bone conduction for the first time, or people who are not prepared for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically placed): These devices include a small implant under the skin that connects to an external sound processor. Long-term users often find that they provide more robust and reliable results. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help decide which option is appropriate based upon your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Advantages of Employing Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to place anything inside the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, despite having chronic ear problems
- Great for unique anatomy– helpful for individuals born without a full outer ear or with other structural variations
- Enhanced communication– particularly in school, work, or noisy settings
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.
Make an appointment with an audiologist today to get further 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