What Are Bone Conduction Hearing Devices?

Woman reading to a baby with cochlear implants while sitting on the couch

When the majority of individuals think about hearing aids, they picture traditional devices that boost sound through the ear canal. But for individuals with certain kinds of hearing loss, especially those coping with chronic ear problems or single-sided deafness, a different kind of technology could provide better quality and comfort: bone conduction hearing devices.

The Capability of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices

With bone conduction hearing devices, the outer and middle ear are bypassed. Rather than transmitting sound through the air, they transfer vibrations through the bones of the head to the inner ear (cochlea), where the sound is processed. This means that even when the ear canal is obstructed or damaged, sound can still reach the auditory nerve. Think about this example: When you cover your ears and are still able to hear the sound of your own voice when talking, that’s an illustration of bone conduction at work.

Distinction between Bone Conduction and Conventional Hearing Aids

Traditional hearing aids boost sound and direct it through the ear canal. This works effectively for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is compromised. But if the issue is with the outer or middle ear, due to infection, fluid buildup, or structural issues, traditional hearing aids may not be reliable or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a better solution in these cases because they skip over the problem areas and send sound directly to your cochlea.

Best Candidates For Bone Conduction

Bone conduction devices are beneficial for:

  • Sound waves are unable to travel through the outer or middle ear, leading to conductive hearing loss.
  • Relentless ear infections or issues with fluid drainage could be aggravated by conventional hearing aids.
  • Individuals with malformed ear canals or missing outer ears, who might not be prospects for conventional devices.
  • A condition called unilateral deafness, where an individual experiences substantial or total hearing loss in one ear. These devices provide a non-invasive alternative that is frequently more comfortable, especially for children and adults who have recurring ear problems.

Options that include implantable and non-implantable techniques:

There are two primary kinds of bone conduction hearing devices:

  • External non-implantable devices are usually fastened with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They are perfect for kids, those trying out bone conduction for the first time, or people who are not prepared for surgery.
  • Implantable (surgically installed): These devices include a small implant under the skin that connects with an external sound processor. They usually offer more robust performance and stability for long-term users. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help determine which option is right based upon your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.

Key Benefits of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices

  • Suitable for sensitive ears – does not require insertion into the ear canal
  • Clear sound quality, even with chronic ear problems
  • Perfect for individuals with distinct physical attributes – this option is especially helpful for individuals with congenital conditions impacting the outer ear or other physiological variations.
  • Enhanced communication is especially beneficial in educational settings, professional environments, or loud surroundings

If you or your child copes with hearing in one or both ears, especially due to chronic infections or conductive problems, bone conduction hearing devices could be worth exploring.

Book an appointment with an audiologist today to get more 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

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.

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