Usually, the idea of hearing aids invokes the thought of traditional devices that boost sound through the canal of the ear. But for people with certain types of hearing loss, particularly those dealing with persistent ear problems or single-sided deafness, a different type of technology could offer better quality and comfort: bone conduction hearing devices.

The Functionality of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices

Bone conduction hearing devices work by bypassing the outer and middle ear. Rather than relying on airwaves to transmit sound, these devices utilize the skull’s bones to channel vibrations directly to the cochlea, the inner ear’s sound-processing center. This means that even if the ear canal is obstructed or damaged, sound can still reach the auditory nerve. Consider this example: When you cover your ears and are still able to hear the sound of your own voice when talking, that’s an example of bone conduction at work.

Comparison between Bone Conduction and Traditional Hearing Aids

Conventional hearing aids increase sound and send it into the ear canal. This works effectively for people who have sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged. But if the issue is with the outer or middle ear, as a result of infection, fluid accumulation, or structural issues, traditional hearing aids might not be reliable or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices can be a more effective alternative in such scenarios as they avoid the problematic regions and transmit sound directly to the cochlea.

Bone Conduction Candidates

Situations where bone conduction devices are appropriate:

• Conductive hearing loss, when sound has trouble moving through the outer or middle ear at all.
• Relentless 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.
• A condition called one-sided deafness, where an individual experiences substantial or total hearing loss in one ear. 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 techniques:

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 excellent for children, those trying out bone conduction for the first time, or individuals who are not prepared for surgery.
• Surgically implanted devices consist of a tiny device placed beneath the skin, which is linked to a separate sound processor mounted outside the body. Long-term users typically find that they provide more effective and reliable results. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help decide which option is right based upon your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.

Advantages of Using Bone Conduction Hearing Devices

• Ideal for sensitive ears – does not require insertion into the ear canal
• Clear sound quality, despite having chronic ear issues
• Great for unique anatomy– helpful for people born without a complete outer ear or with other structural differences
• Improved communication is especially beneficial in educational settings, professional environments, or loud surroundings

If you or your child has difficulty hearing in one or both ears, especially because of recurring infections or issues with sound transmission, it might be helpful 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