When the majority of people think about hearing aids, they think of traditional devices that boost sound through the ear canal. For people struggling with certain hearing impairments, including relentless ear problems or unilateral deafness, a different solution might provide 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. Rather than depending on airwaves to transmit sound, these devices use the skull’s bones to channel vibrations directly to the cochlea, the inner ear’s sound-processing hub. This allows sound to reach the auditory nerve even if there is a blockage or injury in the ear canal. Think of it like this: If you’ve ever stopped up your ears and still heard your voice when talking, that’s bone conduction.

Distinction between Bone Conduction and Traditional Hearing Devices

Conventional hearing aids increase sound and send it into the ear canal. This strategy is especially effective for individuals who have experienced damage to the inner ear or the nerve in charge of transmitting sound, causing sensorineural hearing loss. On the other hand, if there are problems with the outer or middle ear dued to infection, fluid collection, or structural concerns, conventional hearing aids may not work efficiently or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a better option in these cases because they bypass the problem areas and send sound directly to your cochlea.

Bone Conduction Candidates

Situations where bone conduction devices are appropriate:

• Conductive hearing loss, when sound has difficulty traveling through the outer or middle ear at all.
• Persistent ear infections or drainage issues, where traditional hearing aids could worsen the condition.
• People with deformed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who may not qualify for conventional devices.
• Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has profound hearing loss or no hearing. These devices provide a non-invasive alternative that is often more comfortable, particularly for children and adults who have recurring ear problems.

Implantable vs. Non-Implantable Options:

There are two principal classifications of bone conduction options: Implantable and non-implantable devices.

• External non-implantable devices are usually secured with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They’re ideal for children, individuals trying bone conduction for the first time, or individuals not ready for surgery.
• Surgically implanted devices consist of a tiny device inserted beneath the skin, which is linked to a separate sound processor worn outside the body. They tend to offer stronger performance and stability for long-term users. A professional evaluation by an audiologist or ENT specialist will identify the most appropriate option for you, taking into account your age, individual anatomy, and personal hearing objectives.

Key Advantages of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices

• Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to put anything into the ear canal
• Clear sound quality, even with persistent ear problems
• Ideal for those with distinct physical attributes – this option is particularly helpful for individuals with congenital conditions affecting the outer ear or other anatomical variations.
• Enhanced communication is particularly beneficial in educational settings, professional environments, or noisy surroundings

If you or your child has difficulty hearing in one or both ears, especially because of ongoing infections or issues with sound transmission, it might be helpful to think about bone conduction hearing devices.

Book 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