When the majority of individuals think about hearing aids, they think of traditional devices that amplify sound through the ear canal. But for individuals with specific types of hearing loss, especially those dealing with persistent ear problems or single-sided deafness, a distinct type of technology could offer better quality and comfort: bone conduction hearing devices.
How Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Work
Bone conduction hearing devices function by bypassing the outer and middle ear. Rather than relying on airwaves to transmit sound, these devices use the head’s bones to channel vibrations directly to the cochlea, the inner ear’s sound-processing center. This allows sound to get to the auditory nerve even if there is an obstruction 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 example of bone conduction working.
Comparison between Bone Conduction and Conventional Hearing Devices
Conventional hearing aids amplify 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 transmitting sound, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss. On the other hand, if there are issues with the external or middle ear caused by infection, fluid collection, or structural concerns, standard hearing aids may not work well or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices can be a more effective option in such scenarios as they steer clear of the problematic regions and transfer sound directly to the cochlea.
Bone Conduction Candidates
Bone conduction devices are beneficial for:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has difficulty traveling through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Relentless ear infections or problems with fluid drainage could be intensified by conventional hearing aids.
- People with malformed ear canals or missing outer ears, who might not be prospects for traditional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has profound hearing loss or no hearing. These devices offer a non-invasive alternative that is often more comfortable, especially for kids and adults who have persisting ear issues.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable solutions:
There are two main types of bone conduction hearing devices:
- External non-implantable devices are usually fastened using a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They are excellent for kids, people trying out bone conduction for the first time, or people who are not prepared for surgery.
- Surgically implanted devices involve a tiny device inserted beneath the skin, which is linked to a separate sound processor mounted outside the body. They tend to provide stronger performance and reliability for long-term users. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help determine which option is right based upon your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Advantages of Employing Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Suitable for sensitive ears – does not necessitate insertion into the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, even with persistent ear problems
- Perfect for those with distinct physical characteristics – this alternative is especially helpful for people with congenital conditions impacting the outer ear or other anatomical variations.
- Enhanced communication is especially beneficial in instructional settings, professional environments, or loud surroundings
If you or your child copes with hearing in one or both ears, particularly as a result of persistent infections or conductive problems, bone conduction hearing devices might be worth exploring.
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