When most people think of hearing aids, they think of traditional devices that amplify sound through the ear canal. But for people with certain types of hearing loss, especially those dealing with chronic ear issues or single-sided deafness, a different kind of technology could offer better clarity and comfort: bone conduction hearing devices.
How Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Work
Bone conduction hearing devices work by bypassing the outer and middle ear. Instead of sending sound through the air, they transmit 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 blocked or damaged, sound can still reach the auditory nerve. Think of it like this: If you’ve ever plugged your ears and still heard your voice when speaking,
that’s bone conduction.
Bone Conduction vs. Traditional Hearing Aids
Traditional hearing aids amplify sound and funnel it through the ear canal. This works well for people with sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged. But if the problem is with the outer or middle ear, due to infection, fluid buildup, or structural issues, traditional hearing aids might not be effective or comfortable. Bone conduction hearing devices are often a better solution in these cases because they skip over 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 trouble moving through the outer or middle ear at all.
- Chronic ear infections or drainage issues, where traditional hearing aids could worsen the condition.
- People with malformed ear canals or missing outer ears, who may not be candidates for traditional devices.
- Single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has profound hearing loss or no hearing.
These devices offer a non-invasive alternative that is often more comfortable, especially for children and adults with recurring ear issues.
Implantable vs. Non-Implantable Options
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 ideal for children, those trying bone conduction for the first time, or individuals not ready for surgery.
- Implantable (surgically placed): These devices include a small implant under the skin that connects with an external sound processor. They tend to offer stronger performance and stability for long-term users.
Your audiologist or ENT specialist can help decide which option is right based on your age, anatomy, and hearing goals.
Key Benefits of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
- Comfortable for sensitive ears – no need to place anything inside the ear canal
- Clear sound quality, even with chronic ear problems
- Great for unique anatomy – helpful for individuals born without a full outer ear or with other structural differences
- Improved communication – especially in school, work, or noisy environments
If you or your child struggles with hearing in one or both ears, especially due to chronic infections or conductive issues, bone conduction hearing devices could be worth exploring. Schedule a consultation with a hearing specialist today to learn more.
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