Typically, the idea of hearing aids invokes the idea of traditional devices that raise the volume of sound through the canal of the ear. For individuals struggling with specific hearing impairments, such as relentless ear issues or unilateral deafness, a different option might provide improved sound quality and user comfort: bone conduction hearing aids.
The Capability of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
With bone conduction hearing devices, the outer and middle ear are bypassed. Rather than sending 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 an obstruction or injury in the ear canal. Think of it this way: If you’ve ever stopped up your ears and still been able to hear your voice when speaking, that’s bone conduction.
Bone Conduction vs. Conventional Hearing Aids
Conventional hearing aids amplify sound and funnel it through the ear canal. This approach is especially helpful for people who have experienced damage to the inner ear or the nerve responsible for transmitting sound, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss. But if the issue is with the outer or middle ear, due to infection, fluid accumulation, or structural problems, conventional hearing aids might not be effective or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a more effective option in such situations as they avoid the problematic areas and transfer sound directly to the cochlea.
Bone Conduction Candidates
Bone conduction devices are helpful for:
- Sound waves are not able to travel through the outer or middle ear, leading to conductive hearing loss.
- Chronic ear infections or drainage issues, where conventional hearing aids could aggravate the condition.
- Individuals with deformed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who might not qualify for traditional devices.
- A condition known as one-sided deafness, where an individual experiences significant or total hearing loss in one ear. These devices provide a non-invasive alternative that is often more comfortable, especially for kids and adults who have recurring ear problems.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable solutions:
There are two main kinds of bone conduction hearing devices:
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are usually kept in place with a headband, softband, or sticky pad. They are perfect for kids, people experimenting with bone conduction for the first time, or people who are not prepared for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically installed): These devices consist of a small implant under the skin that connects with an external sound processor. They usually offer more robust 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 Using Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Ideal for sensitive ears – does not require insertion into the ear canal
- Good audio quality stays consistent, in spite of recurring problems with the ears
- Perfect for individuals with distinct physical characteristics – this alternative is especially beneficial for people with congenital conditions impacting the outer ear or other anatomical variations.
- Enhanced communication is especially beneficial in instructional settings, professional environments, or noisy surroundings
If you or your child copes with hearing in one or both ears, particularly as a result of chronic infections or conductive issues, bone conduction hearing devices might be worth exploring.
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
