Usually, the concept of hearing aids conjures up the thought of conventional devices that raise the volume of sound through the canal of the ear. For individuals struggling with specific hearing impairments, including relentless ear issues or unilateral deafness, a different solution may provide improved sound quality and user comfort: bone conduction hearing aids.
How Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Work
Bone conduction hearing devices work by bypassing the outer and middle ear. Rather than depending on airwaves to convey sound, these devices use the head’s bones to direct vibrations directly to the cochlea, the inner ear’s sound-processing hub. This means that even if the ear canal is obstructed or damaged, sound can still reach the auditory nerve. Think of it this way: If you’ve ever stopped up your ears and still been able to hear your voice when talking, that’s bone conduction.
Bone Conduction vs. Traditional Hearing Aids
Conventional hearing aids increase sound and send 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 transmitting sound, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss. However, if there are issues with the outer or middle ear caused by infection, fluid accumulation, or structural problems, standard hearing aids might not work well or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a more effective alternative in such situations as they steer clear of 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 not able to travel through the outer or middle ear, leading to conductive hearing loss.
- Relentless ear infections or problems with fluid drainage could be aggravated by traditional hearing aids.
- 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-intrusive option that is typically more comfortable, especially for individuals, both young and old, who experience recurring ear problems.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable solutions:
There are two primary types of bone conduction hearing devices:
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are usually held in place with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They’re ideal for children, people trying bone conduction for the first time, or individuals not prepared for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically installed): These devices consist of a small implant under the skin that connects with an external sound processor. Long-term users typically find that they provide more effective and reliable results. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help determine which option is right based on your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Advantages of Employing Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to place anything inside the ear canal
- Great audio quality stays consistent, despite ongoing problems with the ears
- Perfect for individuals with distinct physical attributes – this option is particularly beneficial for people with congenital conditions impacting the outer ear or other anatomical variations.
- Enhanced communication– especially in school, work, or noisy settings
If you or your child has difficulty hearing in one or both ears, particularly because of recurring infections or issues with sound transmission, it might be beneficial to consider bone conduction hearing devices.
Book 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