Bone Conduction Hearing Devices – What Are They?

Typically, the concept of hearing aids conjures up the thought of conventional devices that boost sound through the canal of the ear. But for individuals with certain kinds of hearing loss, particularly those dealing with chronic ear problems or single-sided deafness, a distinct kind of technology could provide better clarity and comfort: bone conduction hearing devices.

How Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Work

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 heard your voice when talking, that’s bone conduction.

Distinction between Bone Conduction and Traditional Hearing Devices

Standard hearing aids increase sound and send it into the ear canal. This strategy is particularly helpful for individuals who have had damage to the inner ear or the nerve in charge of transmitting sound, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss. But if the issue is with the outer or middle ear, as a result of infection, fluid accumulation, or structural issues, conventional hearing aids may not be effective or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices can be a more effective option in such scenarios as they steer clear of the problematic regions and transfer sound directly to the cochlea.

Best Candidates For Bone Conduction

Bone conduction devices are helpful for:

• Sound waves are unable to pass through the outer or middle ear, leading to conductive hearing loss.
• Relentless ear infections or issues with fluid drainage could be intensified by traditional hearing aids.
• People with malformed ear canals or missing outer ears, who may not be candidates for conventional devices.
• A condition called one-sided deafness, where a person experiences substantial or total hearing loss in one ear. These devices offer a non-invasive option that is frequently more comfortable, particularly for children and adults with persisting ear issues.

Implantable vs. Non-Implantable Options:

There are two primary types of bone conduction hearing devices:

• External non-implantable devices are usually fastened with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They are excellent for kids, those trying out bone conduction for the first time, or people who are not prepared for surgery.
• Surgically embedded devices involve a tiny device placed 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 dependable results. 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 into the ear canal
• Great audio quality remains consistent, in spite of recurring issues with the ears
• Excellent for distinct anatomy– helpful for individuals born without a complete outer ear or with other structural differences
• Improved communication is particularly beneficial in instructional settings, professional environments, or noisy surroundings

If you or your child has trouble hearing in one or both ears, particularly because of ongoing infections or issues with sound transmission, it may be helpful to consider bone conduction hearing devices.

Make 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