When the majority of individuals think of hearing aids, they think of traditional devices that amplify sound through the ear canal. For individuals struggling with specific hearing impairments, such as relentless ear issues or unilateral deafness, a different solution might provide improved sound quality and user comfort: bone conduction hearing aids.
The Capability of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
Bone conduction hearing devices work by bypassing the outer and middle ear. Rather than 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 allows sound to get to the auditory nerve even if there is an obstruction or injury in the ear canal. Think of it like this: If you’ve ever plugged your ears and still heard your voice when speaking, that’s bone conduction.
Bone Conduction vs. Traditional Hearing Aids
Conventional hearing aids increase sound and direct it into the ear canal. This strategy is especially helpful for people who have had damage to the inner ear or the nerve responsible for transferring sound, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss. But if the problem is with the outer or middle ear, as a result of infection, fluid buildup, or structural issues, conventional hearing aids might not be effective or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a better solution in these instances because they skip over the issue areas and send sound directly to your cochlea.
Bone Conduction Candidates
Bone conduction devices are helpful for:
- Sound waves are unable to pass through the outer or middle ear, resulting in conductive hearing loss.
- Chronic ear infections or drainage problems, where traditional hearing aids could worsen the condition.
- People with deformed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who might not qualify for conventional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has severe hearing loss or no hearing. These devices provide a non-intrusive option that is typically more comfortable, particularly for people, both young and old, who experience frequent ear problems.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable techniques:
There are two primary kinds of bone conduction hearing devices:
- External non-implantable devices are usually secured with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They are perfect for kids, people experimenting with bone conduction for the first time, or people who are not prepared for surgery.
- Surgically implanted devices involve a tiny device placed underneath the skin, which is linked to a separate sound processor mounted outside the body. Long-term users often find that they supply more robust and dependable results. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help decide which option is appropriate based upon your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Key Advantages of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to put anything inside the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, despite having chronic ear problems
- Perfect for those with distinct physical characteristics – this alternative is especially beneficial for people with congenital conditions affecting the outer ear or other anatomical variations.
- Enhanced communication is especially beneficial in educational settings, professional environments, or loud surroundings
If you or your child struggles with hearing in one or both ears, particularly as a result of persistent infections or conductive issues, bone conduction hearing devices could be worth exploring.
Make an appointment with an audiologist today to get more 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