Typically, the concept of hearing aids conjures up the idea of conventional devices that raise the volume of sound through the canal of the ear. For individuals struggling with specific hearing impairments, such as relentless ear problems or unilateral deafness, an alternative option may supply improved sound quality and user comfort: bone conduction hearing aids.
The Capability of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
With bone conduction hearing devices, the outer and middle ear are bypassed. Rather than depending on airwaves to transmit sound, these devices utilize the head’s bones to channel vibrations directly to the cochlea, the inner ear’s sound-processing hub. This allows sound to get to the auditory nerve even if there is a blockage or injury in the ear canal. Think of it like this: If you’ve ever stopped up your ears and still heard your voice when talking, that’s bone conduction.
Bone Conduction vs. Conventional Hearing Aids
Conventional hearing aids increase sound and send it into the ear canal. This approach is particularly helpful for people who have experienced damage to the inner ear or the nerve responsible for transferring sound, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss. On the other hand, if there are problems with the outer or middle ear dued to infection, fluid accumulation, or structural problems, standard hearing aids may not work well or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a more reliable option in such situations as they steer clear of the problematic areas and transmit sound directly to the cochlea.
Best Candidates For Bone Conduction
Bone conduction devices are beneficial for:
- Sound waves are unable to pass through the outer or middle ear, leading to conductive hearing loss.
- Chronic ear infections or drainage problems, where traditional hearing aids could aggravate the condition.
- People with deformed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who might not qualify for conventional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has profound hearing loss or no hearing. These devices offer a non-intrusive option that is frequently more comfortable, especially for individuals, both young and old, who experience frequent ear problems.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable solutions:
There are two primary types of bone conduction hearing devices:
- External non-implantable devices are generally fastened using a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They are perfect for children, those trying out bone conduction for the first time, or individuals who are not prepared for surgery.
- Surgically embeded devices consist of a tiny device inserted underneath the skin, which is connected to a separate sound processor mounted outside the body. Long-term users often find that they provide more robust and reliable results. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help decide which option is right based on your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Perks of Using Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to place anything into the ear canal
- Great audio quality remains consistent, in spite of ongoing problems with the ears
- Great for unique anatomy– helpful for people born without a complete outer ear or with other structural differences
- Enhanced communication– especially in school, work, or noisy settings
If you or your child copes with hearing in one or both ears, especially as a result of persistent infections or conductive problems, bone conduction hearing devices might 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