Typically, the concept of hearing aids invokes the thought of traditional devices that boost sound through the canal of the ear. For people struggling with certain hearing impairments, such as persistent ear issues or unilateral deafness, an alternative option might supply enhanced 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 transmitting sound through the air, they transmit 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 an obstruction or injury in the ear canal. Consider this example: When you cover your ears and are still able to hear the sound of your own voice when speaking, that’s an example of bone conduction working.
Bone Conduction vs. Conventional Hearing Aids
Conventional hearing aids amplify sound and direct it through the ear canal. This works well for individuals who have sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is compromised. But if the problem is with the outer or middle ear, as a result of infection, fluid buildup, or structural issues, conventional hearing aids may not be effective or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a more effective alternative in such scenarios as they avoid the problematic areas and transmit sound directly to the cochlea.
Best Candidates For Bone Conduction
Situations where bone conduction devices are appropriate:
- Sound waves are unable to pass through the outer or middle ear, leading to conductive hearing loss.
- Chronic ear infections or drainage issues, where traditional hearing aids could aggravate the condition.
- Individuals with flawed 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 offer a non-invasive option that is frequently more comfortable, especially for kids and adults with recurring ear problems.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable solutions:
There are two primary categories of bone conduction choices: Implantable and non-implantable devices.
- External non-implantable devices are usually fastened with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They’re ideal for children, people trying out bone conduction for the first time, or individuals not prepared for surgery.
- Surgically implanted devices involve a tiny device placed underneath the skin, which is connected to a separate sound processor mounted outside the body. Long-term users typically find that they provide more robust and reliable results. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help determine which option is right based upon your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Advantages of Using Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to put anything into the ear canal
- Great audio quality remains consistent, despite recurring issues with the ears
- Great for unique anatomy– helpful for people born without a full outer ear or with other structural variations
- Enhanced communication is especially advantageous in educational settings, professional environments, or noisy surroundings
If you or your child has difficulty hearing in one or both ears, especially because of ongoing infections or issues with sound transmission, it might be beneficial to think about bone conduction hearing devices.
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
