When the majority of individuals think of hearing aids, they picture traditional devices that boost sound through the ear canal. But for people with specific types of hearing loss, especially those coping with persistent ear issues or single-sided deafness, a distinct kind of technology could offer better quality and comfort: bone conduction hearing devices.
The Capability of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
With bone conduction hearing devices, the outer and middle ear are bypassed. 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 allows sound to get to the auditory nerve even when there is a blockage or injury in the ear canal. Think of it like this: If you’ve ever plugged your ears and still heard your voice when talking, that’s bone conduction.
Bone Conduction vs. Conventional Hearing Aids
Traditional hearing aids boost sound and funnel it through the ear canal. This works effectively for people with sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged. But if the problem is with the outer or middle ear, due to infection, fluid buildup, or structural issues, conventional hearing aids might not be effective or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are typically a better solution in these cases because they bypass the issue areas and send sound straight to your cochlea.
Bone Conduction Candidates
Bone conduction devices are helpful for:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has trouble moving through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Persistent ear infections or issues with fluid drainage could be aggravated by conventional hearing aids.
- People 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 complete hearing loss in one ear. These devices offer a non-invasive option that is often more comfortable, especially for children and adults with persisting ear problems.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable techniques:
There are two primary types of bone conduction hearing devices:
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are usually 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 prepared for surgery.
- Surgically implanted devices consist of a tiny device placed beneath the skin, which is linked to a separate sound processor worn outside the body. Long-term users typically find that they supply more robust and dependable results. A professional evaluation by an audiologist or ENT specialist will identify the most suitable option for you, taking into account your age, particular anatomy, and personal hearing objectives.
Key Benefits of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to put anything inside the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, despite having chronic ear problems
- Ideal for people with distinct physical attributes – this option is especially beneficial for individuals with congenital conditions affecting 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 ongoing infections or problems with sound transmission, it might be helpful to think about bone conduction hearing devices.
Make 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