When most people think of hearing aids, they picture conventional devices that amplify sound through the ear canal. For people struggling with certain hearing impairments, including relentless ear problems or unilateral deafness, an alternative option may supply enhanced 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. 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 means that even when the ear canal is obstructed or damaged, sound can still get to the auditory nerve. Consider this example: When you put your hands over your ears and still manage to hear the sound of your own voice while talking, that’s an illustration of bone conduction working.
Comparison between Bone Conduction and Conventional Hearing Devices
Standard hearing aids increase sound and direct it into the ear canal. This strategy is especially helpful for people who have experienced damage to the inner ear or the nerve in charge of transmitting sound, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss. But if the problem is with the outer or middle ear, as a result of infection, fluid accumulation, or structural issues, conventional hearing aids may not be reliable or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices can be a more effective alternative in such scenarios as they steer clear of the problematic regions and transfer sound directly to the cochlea.
Best Candidates For Bone Conduction
Bone conduction devices are helpful for:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has trouble travelling through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Persistent ear infections or issues with fluid drainage could be intensified by conventional hearing aids.
- Individuals with misshapen ear canals or missing outer ears, who might not be candidates for conventional devices.
- A condition known as one-sided deafness, where a person experiences significant or complete hearing loss in one ear. These devices offer a non-intrusive option that is frequently more comfortable, especially for individuals, both young and old, who experience frequent ear issues.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable solutions:
There are two principal categories of bone conduction options: Implantable and non-implantable devices.
- External non-implantable devices are usually secured with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They are perfect for children, people trying out bone conduction for the first time, or individuals who are not prepared for surgery.
- Surgically implanted devices consist of a tiny device inserted beneath the skin, which is connected to a separate sound processor worn outside the body. They usually offer stronger performance and reliability for long-term users. A professional evaluation by an audiologist or ENT specialist will determine the most appropriate solution for you, taking into account your age, individual anatomy, and personal hearing objectives.
Advantages of Employing Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Ideal for sensitive ears – does not require insertion into the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, even with chronic ear issues
- Ideal for people with distinct physical attributes – this option is especially helpful for individuals with congenital conditions impacting the outer ear or other anatomical variations.
- Enhanced communication is especially advantageous in educational settings, professional environments, or loud surroundings
If you or your child has difficulty hearing in one or both ears, especially because of recurring infections or problems with sound transmission, it may be beneficial to consider 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