Typically, the idea of hearing aids conjures up the thought of traditional devices that boost sound through the canal of the ear. But for people with certain kinds of hearing loss, particularly those coping with persistent ear issues or single-sided deafness, a distinct kind of technology could provide better clarity and comfort: bone conduction hearing devices.
How Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Work
Bone conduction hearing devices function by bypassing the outer and middle ear. Instead of transmitting 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 a blockage or injury in the ear canal. Consider this example: When you cover your ears and still manage to hear the sound of your own voice when speaking, that’s an illustration of bone conduction at work.
Distinction between Bone Conduction and Conventional Hearing Aids
Conventional hearing aids boost sound and direct it through the ear canal. This approach is particularly effective for people who have experienced damage to the inner ear or the nerve responsible for transferring sound, causing sensorineural hearing loss. On the other hand, if there are problems with the outer or middle ear dued to infection, fluid collection, or structural problems, standard hearing aids may not work efficiently or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a more effective option in such situations as they avoid the problematic regions and transfer sound directly to the cochlea.
Best Candidates For Bone Conduction
Situations where bone conduction devices are appropraite:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has difficulty travelling through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Persistent ear infections or drainage problems, where conventional hearing aids could aggravate the condition.
- Individuals with misshapen ear canals or missing outer ears, who might not be candidates for conventional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has profound hearing loss or no hearing. These devices provide a non-invasive alternative that is often more comfortable, particularly for kids and adults who have persisting ear problems.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable techniques:
There are two principal categories of bone conduction choices: Implantable and non-implantable devices.
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are usually kept in place with a headband, softband, or sticky pad. They’re suitable for children, individuals trying bone conduction for the first time, or individuals not prepared for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically installed): These devices include a small implant under the skin that connects to an external sound processor. They tend to provide stronger performance and reliability for long-term users. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help decide which option is appropriate based on 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, despite ongoing issues with the ears
- Perfect for those with distinct physical attributes – this option is particularly beneficial for individuals 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 difficulty hearing in one or both ears, especially because of recurring infections or problems with sound transmission, it may be beneficial to think about bone conduction hearing devices.
Schedule 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