When most individuals think of hearing aids, they think of conventional devices that amplify sound through the ear canal. But for people with certain types of hearing loss, particularly those coping with chronic ear issues or single-sided deafness, a different kind of technology could offer better quality and comfort: bone conduction hearing devices.
How Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Work
Bone conduction hearing devices function by bypassing the outer and middle ear. Instead of transmitting sound through the air, they transfer vibrations through the bones of the skull to the inner ear (cochlea), where the sound is processed. This means that even if the ear canal is obstructed or damaged, sound can still get to the auditory nerve. Consider this example: When you cover your ears and are still able to hear the sound of your own voice when speaking, that’s an example of bone conduction working.
Comparison between Bone Conduction and Traditional Hearing Aids
Conventional hearing aids increase sound and send it into the ear canal. This works well for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged. But if the problem 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 are typically a better option in these instances because they bypass the problem areas and deliver sound directly to your cochlea.
Best Candidates For Bone Conduction
Bone conduction devices are beneficial for:
- Conductive hearing loss, when sound has difficulty traveling through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Persistent ear infections or issues with fluid drainage could be aggravated by conventional hearing aids.
- Individuals with flawed ear canals or the absence of outer ears, who might not qualify for traditional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has severe hearing loss or no hearing. These gadgets offer a non-intrusive option that is typically more comfortable, especially for individuals, both young and old, who experience frequent ear problems.
Implantable vs. Non-Implantable Solutions:
There are two primary types of bone conduction hearing devices:
- Non-implantable (worn externally): These are typically kept in place with a headband, softband, or adhesive pad. They’re ideal for children, people trying out bone conduction for the first time, or individuals not prepared for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically placed): These devices include a small implant under the skin that connects with an external sound processor. They usually provide more robust performance and stability for long-term users. Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help determine which option is appropriate based upon your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Advantages of Using Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Suitable for sensitive ears – does not require insertion into the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, even with chronic ear issues
- Excellent for unique anatomy– helpful for people born without a full outer ear or with other structural differences
- Enhanced communication– especially in school, work, or noisy settings
If you or your child has trouble hearing in one or both ears, especially because of ongoing infections or problems with sound transmission, it may be helpful to think about bone conduction hearing devices.
Schedule 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
