When the majority of individuals think about hearing aids, they picture traditional devices that amplify sound through the ear canal. For individuals struggling with specific hearing impairments, including relentless ear problems or unilateral deafness, a different option may supply improved sound quality and user comfort: bone conduction hearing aids.
The Functionality of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
With bone conduction hearing devices, the outer and middle ear are bypassed. Instead of 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 if 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 been able to hear your voice when talking, that’s bone conduction.
Distinction between Bone Conduction and Conventional Hearing Aids
Conventional hearing aids boost sound and direct it through the ear canal. This strategy is particularly effective for individuals who have experienced damage to the inner ear or the nerve responsible for transferring sound, causing sensorineural hearing loss. But if the problem is with the outer or middle ear, due to infection, fluid accumulation, or structural problems, traditional hearing aids may not be reliable 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.
Bone Conduction Candidates
Bone conduction devices are helpful for:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has difficulty moving through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Persistent ear infections or drainage problems, where conventional hearing aids could worsen the condition.
- People with malformed ear canals or missing outer ears, who might not be candidates for traditional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has severe hearing loss or no hearing. These gadgets offer a non-intrusive option that is frequently more comfortable, especially for individuals, both young and old, who experience recurring ear problems.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable techniques:
There are two main types of bone conduction hearing devices:
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are usually held in place with a headband, softband, or sticky pad. They are excellent for children, those trying out bone conduction for the first time, or people who are not prepared for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically installed): These devices include a small implant under the skin that connects to an external sound processor. Long-term users typically find that they supply more robust and reliable results. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help decide which option is right based on 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
- Great audio quality remains consistent, despite ongoing problems with the ears
- Excellent for distinct anatomy– helpful for people born without a complete outer ear or with other structural differences
- Improved communication is especially beneficial in instructional settings, professional environments, or loud surroundings
If you or your child has difficulty hearing in one or both ears, particularly because of ongoing infections or issues with sound transmission, it may be helpful to think about bone conduction hearing devices.
Schedule 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