When the majority of people think about hearing aids, they think of traditional devices that boost sound through the ear canal. But for people with specific kinds of hearing loss, especially those dealing with persistent ear problems or single-sided deafness, a different type of technology could provide better quality and comfort: bone conduction hearing devices.
The Capability of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
Bone conduction hearing devices work by bypassing the outer and middle ear. Instead of transmitting sound through the air, they transmit vibrations through the bones of the head 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 about this example: When you put your hands over your ears and are still able to hear the sound of your own voice while speaking, that’s an example of bone conduction at work.
Distinction between Bone Conduction and Conventional Hearing Devices
Traditional hearing aids boost sound and direct it through the ear canal. This works well for people with 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 well or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a better option in these cases because they skip over the problem areas and send sound straight to your cochlea.
Best Candidates For Bone Conduction
Situations where bone conduction devices are appropriate:
- Sound waves are unable to travel through the outer or middle ear, resulting in conductive hearing loss.
- Persistent ear infections or problems with fluid drainage could be intensified by traditional hearing aids.
- People with misshapen ear canals or missing outer ears, who may not be prospects for conventional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has profound hearing loss or no hearing. These gadgets offer a non-intrusive option that is typically more comfortable, particularly for people, both young and old, who experience frequent ear issues.
Implantable vs. Non-Implantable Solutions:
There are two principal categories of bone conduction options: Implantable and non-implantable devices.
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are typically kept in place with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They’re ideal for children, people trying out bone conduction for the first time, or people not ready for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically installed): These devices consist of a small implant under the skin that connects to an external sound processor. Long-term users often find that they supply more effective and reliable results. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help determine which option is appropriate based upon your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Advantages of Employing Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Suitable for sensitive ears – does not require insertion into the ear canal
- Great audio quality remains consistent, in spite of recurring problems with the ears
- Great for distinct anatomy– helpful for individuals born without a full outer ear or with other structural differences
- Improved communication– especially in school, work, or noisy environments
If you or your child struggles with hearing in one or both ears, particularly as a result of persistent infections or conductive problems, bone conduction hearing devices might be worth exploring.
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