Usually, the idea of hearing aids conjures up the thought of traditional devices that raise the volume of sound through the canal of the ear. For people struggling with certain hearing impairments, including relentless ear issues or unilateral deafness, a different solution might provide improved sound quality and user comfort: bone conduction hearing aids.
The Functionality of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
Bone conduction hearing devices function by bypassing the outer and middle ear. Instead of transmitting sound through the air, they transfer vibrations through the bones of the skull to the inner ear (cochlea), where the sound is processed. This means that even when the ear canal is blocked or damaged, sound can still reach the auditory nerve. Consider this example: When you cover your ears and still manage to hear the sound of your own voice while speaking, that’s an example of bone conduction at work.
Bone Conduction vs. Traditional Hearing Aids
Conventional hearing aids increase sound and direct it into the ear canal. This works effectively for individuals who have sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged. However, if there are problems with the external or middle ear caused by infection, fluid accumulation, or structural concerns, conventional hearing aids might not work efficiently or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a better solution in these cases because they skip over the problem areas and send sound straight to your cochlea.
Bone Conduction Candidates
Situations where bone conduction devices are appropriate:
- Sound waves are not able to pass through the outer or middle ear, leading to conductive hearing loss.
- Relentless ear infections or issues with fluid drainage could be aggravated by conventional hearing aids.
- People with malformed ear canals or missing outer ears, who might not be prospects for traditional devices.
- A condition called unilateral deafness, where a person experiences significant or complete hearing loss in one ear. These gadgets provide a non-intrusive option that is typically more comfortable, especially for people, both young and old, who experience recurring ear issues.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable solutions:
There are two primary types of bone conduction hearing devices:
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are typically held in place with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They are perfect for kids, people trying out bone conduction for the first time, or individuals who are not prepared for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically installed): These devices include a small implant under the skin that connects to an external sound processor. Long-term users typically find that they supply more robust and dependable results. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help decide which option is right based upon your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Key Advantages of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Ideal for sensitive ears – does not necessitate insertion into the ear canal
- Great audio quality stays consistent, despite ongoing problems with the ears
- Ideal for individuals with distinct physical characteristics – this option is especially beneficial for individuals with congenital conditions affecting the outer ear or other anatomical variations.
- Improved communication– particularly in school, work, or noisy environments
If you or your child has difficulty hearing in one or both ears, particularly because of recurring infections or issues with sound transmission, it may be helpful to think about 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
