When most people think of hearing aids, they think of traditional devices that amplify sound through the ear canal. For people struggling with certain hearing impairments, such as relentless ear problems or unilateral deafness, an alternative solution may supply improved sound quality and user comfort: bone conduction hearing aids.
How Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Work
With bone conduction hearing devices, the outer and middle ear are bypassed. Instead of sending sound through the air, they transmit vibrations through the bones of the head 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 speaking, that’s bone conduction.
Bone Conduction vs. Traditional Hearing Aids
Conventional hearing aids increase sound and direct it into the ear canal. This works effectively for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is compromised. But if the problem is with the outer or middle ear, due to infection, fluid buildup, or structural issues, traditional hearing aids may not be effective or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are typically a better option in these instances because they skip over the problem areas and send sound directly to your cochlea.
Best Candidates For Bone Conduction
Situations where bone conduction devices are appropraite:
- Sound waves are not able to pass through the outer or middle ear, leading to conductive hearing loss.
- Relentless ear infections or problems with fluid drainage could be intensified by traditional hearing aids.
- People with flawed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who may not qualify for conventional devices.
- A condition called one-sided deafness, where a person experiences significant or complete hearing loss in one ear. These gadgets provide a non-intrusive option that is frequently more comfortable, particularly for individuals, both young and old, who experience frequent ear issues.
Options that include implantable and non-implantable techniques:
There are two principal classifications of bone conduction options: Implantable and non-implantable devices.
- External non-implantable devices are generally secured using a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They are perfect for kids, people experimenting with bone conduction for the first time, or people who are not prepared for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically installed): These devices consist of a small implant under the skin that connects to an external sound processor. Long-term users typically find that they supply more effective and reliable results. A professional assessment by an audiologist or ENT specialist will determine the most appropriate option for you, taking into account your age, individual anatomy, and personal hearing objectives.
Key Advantages of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Ideal for sensitive ears – does not require insertion into the ear canal
- Good audio quality stays consistent, despite recurring issues with the ears
- Great for distinct anatomy– helpful for individuals born without a complete outer ear or with other structural variations
- Enhanced communication– especially in school, work, or noisy settings
If you or your child has difficulty hearing in one or both ears, especially because of ongoing infections or issues with sound transmission, it may be beneficial to consider bone conduction hearing devices.
Set up 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