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 people struggling with specific hearing impairments, such as persistent ear problems or unilateral deafness, a different option may supply enhanced sound quality and user comfort: bone conduction hearing aids.
How Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Work
Bone conduction hearing devices function by bypassing the outer and middle ear. Rather than depending on airwaves to convey sound, these devices utilize the head’s bones to channel vibrations directly to the cochlea, the inner ear’s sound-processing center. This allows sound to reach the auditory nerve even when there is a blockage or injury in the ear canal. Consider this example: When you cover your ears and are still able to hear the sound of your own voice when talking, that’s an example of bone conduction at work.
Comparison between Bone Conduction and Traditional Hearing Aids
Traditional hearing aids amplify sound and direct it through the ear canal. This approach is especially helpful for people who have had damage to the inner ear or the nerve in charge of transmitting sound, causing sensorineural hearing loss. But if the problem is with the outer or middle ear, due to infection, fluid buildup, or structural issues, conventional hearing aids may not be effective or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a more reliable option in such situations as they avoid the problematic areas and transmit sound directly to the cochlea.
Bone Conduction Candidates
Bone conduction devices are helpful for:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has difficulty moving through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Persistent ear infections or drainage issues, where traditional hearing aids could worsen the condition.
- Individuals with misshapen ear canals or missing outer ears, who may not be candidates for conventional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has severe hearing loss or no hearing. These devices provide a non-invasive option that is frequently more comfortable, especially for children and adults who have persisting ear problems.
Implantable vs. Non-Implantable Solutions:
There are two main kinds of bone conduction hearing devices:
- External non-implantable devices are usually secured with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They’re suitable for children, people trying out bone conduction for the first time, or people not prepared for surgery.
- Surgically embeded devices consist of a tiny device placed underneath the skin, which is connected to a separate sound processor worn outside the body. Long-term users typically find that they provide more robust and reliable results. 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.
Key Advantages of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Suitable for sensitive ears – does not necessitate insertion into the ear canal
- Good audio quality remains consistent, in spite of recurring problems with the ears
- Ideal for people with distinct physical characteristics – this option is particularly helpful for people with congenital conditions impacting the outer ear or other physiological variations.
- Enhanced communication is especially beneficial in educational settings, professional environments, or loud surroundings
If you or your child copes with hearing in one or both ears, especially as a result of chronic infections or conductive issues, bone conduction hearing devices could be worth exploring.
Book an appointment with an audiologist today to get further 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