Usually, the concept of hearing aids invokes the idea of conventional devices that raise the volume of sound through the canal of the ear. For people struggling with specific hearing impairments, including relentless ear problems or unilateral deafness, a different solution might supply improved sound quality and user comfort: bone conduction hearing aids.

How Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Work

Bone conduction hearing devices function by bypassing the outer and middle ear. Rather than depending on airwaves to convey sound, these devices utilize the head’s bones to direct vibrations directly to the cochlea, the inner ear’s sound-processing hub. This means that even when the ear canal is obstructed or damaged, sound can still get to the auditory nerve. 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 Devices

Traditional hearing aids boost sound and direct it through the ear canal. This works well for people with sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is compromised. On the other hand, if there are issues with the outer or middle ear dued to infection, fluid accumulation, or structural problems, conventional hearing aids may not work efficiently or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a better option in these instances because they skip over the problem areas and deliver sound directly to your cochlea.

Best Candidates For Bone Conduction

Situations where bone conduction devices are appropriate:

• Conductive hearing loss, when sound has difficulty traveling through the outer or middle ear at all.
• Relentless ear infections or issues with fluid drainage could be intensified by conventional hearing aids.
• People with flawed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who might not qualify for conventional devices.
• Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has profound hearing loss or no hearing. These devices provide a non-intrusive option that is frequently more comfortable, especially for people, both young and old, who experience recurring ear issues.

Implantable vs. Non-Implantable Solutions:

There are two main types of bone conduction hearing devices:

• Non-implantable (worn externally): These are typically held in place with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They’re suitable for children, people trying bone conduction for the first time, or people not ready for surgery.
• Surgically implanted devices involve a tiny device placed underneath the skin, which is linked to a separate sound processor mounted outside the body. They tend to offer more robust performance and reliability for long-term users. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help determine which option is right based on your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.

Perks of Employing Bone Conduction Hearing Devices

• Suitable for sensitive ears – does not require insertion into the ear canal
• Clear sound quality, even with persistent ear problems
• Great for distinct anatomy– helpful for individuals born without a complete outer ear or with other structural differences
• Enhanced communication is especially beneficial in educational settings, professional environments, or noisy surroundings

If you or your child has difficulty hearing in one or both ears, particularly because of recurring infections or problems with sound transmission, it may be beneficial to consider bone conduction hearing devices.

Schedule a consultation 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