Usually, the concept of hearing aids conjures up the thought of conventional devices that boost sound through the canal of the ear. But for people with certain kinds of hearing loss, particularly those coping with persistent ear issues or single-sided deafness, a different kind of technology could offer better quality and comfort: bone conduction hearing devices.
The Functionality of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
Bone conduction hearing devices function by bypassing the outer and middle ear. Instead of transmitting sound through the air, they transmit 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 of it like this: If you’ve ever plugged your ears and still been able to hear your voice when speaking, that’s bone conduction.
Comparison between Bone Conduction and Conventional Hearing Aids
Traditional hearing aids amplify sound and direct it through the ear canal. This strategy is particularly effective for people who have had 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 due to infection, fluid accumulation, or structural problems, conventional hearing aids may not work well or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are typically a better option in these instances because they bypass the issue areas and send sound directly to your cochlea.
Bone Conduction Candidates
Bone conduction devices are beneficial for:
- Sound waves are unable to travel through the outer or middle ear, leading to conductive hearing loss.
- Persistent ear infections or issues with fluid drainage could be intensified by conventional hearing aids.
- 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 profound hearing loss or no hearing. These devices offer a non-intrusive option that is typically more comfortable, particularly for individuals, both young and old, who experience recurring ear issues.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable solutions:
There are two main kinds of bone conduction hearing devices:
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are typically kept in place with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They are excellent for children, people trying out bone conduction for the first time, or people who are not prepared for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically placed): These devices include a small implant under the skin that connects to an external sound processor. They tend to provide more robust performance and stability for long-term users. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help determine which option is appropriate based on your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Key Advantages of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to put anything inside the ear canal
- Good audio quality stays consistent, despite ongoing problems with the ears
- Excellent for unique anatomy– helpful for people born without a full outer ear or with other structural variations
- Enhanced communication– especially in school, work, or noisy environments
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 consider bone conduction hearing devices.
Schedule an assessment 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