When the majority of individuals think about hearing aids, they picture conventional devices that boost sound through the ear canal. For people struggling with specific hearing impairments, including persistent ear problems or unilateral deafness, an alternative option may supply enhanced sound quality and user comfort: bone conduction hearing aids.
The Functionality 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 if 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 when speaking, that’s an illustration of bone conduction working.
Bone Conduction vs. Conventional Hearing Aids
Standard hearing aids increase sound and send it into the ear canal. This approach is especially effective for individuals who have experienced damage to the inner ear or the nerve in charge of transmitting sound, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss. However, if there are problems with the external or middle ear caused by infection, fluid collection, or structural problems, standard hearing aids may not work efficiently or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices can be a more effective option in such scenarios as they steer clear of the problematic areas and transmit sound directly to the cochlea.
Bone Conduction Candidates
Bone conduction devices are helpful for:
- Sound waves are not able to pass through the outer or middle ear, leading to conductive hearing loss.
- Chronic ear infections or drainage problems, where traditional hearing aids could worsen the condition.
- Individuals with deformed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who may not qualify for traditional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has profound hearing loss or no hearing. These gadgets provide a non-intrusive option that is frequently more comfortable, particularly for people, both young and old, who experience recurring ear problems.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable solutions:
There are two primary kinds of bone conduction hearing devices:
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are usually held in place with a headband, softband, or sticky pad. They’re ideal for children, individuals trying bone conduction for the first time, or people not ready for surgery.
- Surgically implanted devices consist of a tiny device placed beneath the skin, which is connected to a separate sound processor mounted outside the body. They usually offer more robust performance and reliability for long-term users. A professional assessment by an audiologist or ENT specialist will determine the most suitable option for you, taking into account your age, individual anatomy, and personal hearing objectives.
Advantages of Using Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Ideal for sensitive ears – does not necessitate insertion into the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, despite having chronic ear problems
- Perfect for individuals with distinct physical characteristics – this alternative is especially helpful for individuals with congenital conditions affecting the outer ear or other physiological variations.
- Improved communication is particularly advantageous in instructional settings, professional environments, or noisy surroundings
If you or your child has trouble hearing in one or both ears, particularly because of recurring infections or issues with sound transmission, it might 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
