Typically, the concept of hearing aids invokes the idea of traditional devices that raise the volume of sound through the canal of the ear. For people struggling with certain hearing impairments, such as relentless ear problems or unilateral deafness, a different solution may 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 utilize the head’s bones to channel vibrations directly to the cochlea, the inner ear’s sound-processing hub. This means that even if the ear canal is blocked or damaged, sound can still get to the auditory nerve. Consider this example: When you put your hands over your ears and still manage to hear the sound of your own voice when talking, that’s an illustration of bone conduction at work.

Bone Conduction vs. Conventional Hearing Aids

Standard hearing aids increase sound and direct it into the ear canal. This strategy is particularly helpful for people who have had damage to the inner ear or the nerve in charge of transferring sound, causing sensorineural hearing loss. However, if there are issues with the external or middle ear caused by infection, fluid accumulation, or structural concerns, conventional hearing aids might not work efficiently or be comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a more effective alternative in such scenarios as they avoid the problematic regions and transmit sound directly to the cochlea.

Best Candidates For Bone Conduction

Bone conduction devices are helpful for:

• Conductive hearing loss, when sound has trouble moving through the outer or middle ear at all.
• Relentless ear infections or problems with fluid drainage could be aggravated by traditional hearing aids.
• Individuals with misshapen ear canals or missing outer ears, who may not be prospects for conventional devices.
• A condition known as unilateral deafness, where an individual experiences substantial or total hearing loss in one ear. These gadgets offer a non-intrusive option that is typically more comfortable, particularly for people, both young and old, who experience frequent ear issues.

Options that include implantable and non-implantable techniques:

There are two primary classifications of bone conduction choices: Implantable and non-implantable devices.

• External non-implantable devices are usually secured using a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They are perfect for kids, people experimenting with bone conduction for the first time, or individuals who are not prepared for surgery.
• Surgically implanted devices involve a tiny device placed beneath the skin, which is connected to a separate sound processor mounted outside the body. They tend to provide stronger performance and stability for long-term users. A professional evaluation by an audiologist or ENT specialist will determine the most suitable option for you, taking into account your age, particular anatomy, and personal hearing objectives.

Perks of Using Bone Conduction Hearing Devices

• Comfortable for sensitive ears– no need to put anything into the ear canal
• Clear sound quality, even with chronic ear problems
• Great for unique anatomy– helpful for people born without a full outer ear or with other structural variations
• Improved communication– especially in school, work, or noisy environments

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

Set up 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