Bone conduction hearing aid

Types of bone conduction hearing aids

Bone conduction hearing aids are designed to help people with hearing loss. Sound bypasses the outer and middle ear and directly reaches the functioning inner ear. This type of hearing aid is suitable for people with conductive hearing loss, single-sided deafness, and certain types of hearing loss. There are two main types of bone-conduction hearing aids:

• Headband bone conduction hearing aids: This type of hearing aid is a comfortable headband with a bone conduction device attached to it. It works by sending sound waves to the functioning inner ear through the bone in the skull. This hearing aid can be worn on the head or behind the ear. It is small and lightweight. The headband bone conduction hearing aid is a good option for babies and children. If they cannot wear an implant under the skin, this hearing aid is a good alternative. It is also a great option for people with conductive hearing loss and single-sided deafness. This is because their outer and middle ear do not work properly. The bone conduction headband hearing aid helps sound travel to the functioning inner ear through the bone of the skull. People with this kind of hearing loss cannot use a regular hearing aid. The headband bone conduction hearing aid can help them hear better. It is also a good option for children because it is safe and easy to use.

• Bone conduction hearing aid implants: This type of hearing aid is a small device that gets surgically placed under the skin behind the ear. It works by sending sound waves to the functioning inner ear through the bone in the skull. This type of hearing aid is a good option for people with conductive hearing loss. Their outer and middle ear does not work properly. Because the bone conduction hearing aid implant is placed under the skin, it can help them hear better. It is also a good choice for people with single-sided deafness. It is a safe and effective way to get hearing loss treatment. The bone conduction hearing aid implant is a good choice for people with conductive hearing loss, single-sided deafness, and certain types of hearing loss. It is also a good option for people who cannot wear regular hearing aids. This is because it works by sending sound directly to the functioning inner ear through the bone in the skull. This type of hearing aid is usually made up of two parts. One part is an abutment that gets attached to the bone behind the ear. The other part is a sound processor that snaps onto the abutment. The sound processor picks up sound and turns it into vibrations.

Functions and features

The bone conduction hearing aid has many features that help wearers with hearing loss. They include the following:

• Automatic and manual adjustments: Some hearing aids have automatic controls to adjust settings for different sound environments. They also give the wearer the option to manually adjust the settings.
• Telecoil technology: This technology allows the hearing aid to connect to audio devices and telephones. It can also connect to hearing loops in public places.
• Rechargeable batteries: Many bone conduction hearing aids are powered by rechargeable batteries. They can be charged using a charging dock or USB cable. This eliminates the need for disposable batteries.
• Wireless connectivity: These hearing aids have Bluetooth and other wireless technologies. Wearers can stream audio directly from their smartphones, TVs, and other devices. They can also control the hearing aids through an app on their smartphone.
• Directional microphones: These microphones improve speech understanding in noisy environments. They focus on sound from the front, while reducing background noise from the sides and back.
• Noise reduction: This feature helps to reduce background noise in loud environments. It makes it easier to have conversations in busy places.
• Water resistance: Bone conduction hearing aids are worn on the head. So, they are water-resistant. Some models can withstand sweat and light rain.
• Tinnitus masking: Some bone conduction hearing aids have a tinnitus masking feature. It plays a soothing sound that helps to cover up the ringing in the ears.
• Remote control: Some hearing aids come with a remote control. It allows wearers to adjust the volume and settings without touching the hearing aid.
• Feedback cancellation: This technology helps to reduce whistling and feedback sounds.

Scenarios

Bone conduction hearing aids can be used in various situations. Some of these include the following.

• For People with Single-Sided Deafness

People with single-sided deafness can experience difficulty localizing sound, especially when driving. In this case, a bone conduction hearing aid can be a great help. This hearing aid can be placed on the ear that can hear and then transfer the sound to the inner ear on the deaf side.

• For Children with Conductive Hearing Loss

The bone conduction hearing aid can be suitable for children with conductive hearing loss, as the device does not block the outer ear. This allows them to hear from both ears and develop speech and language skills.

• For People with Malformed or Absent Outer Ear Ear

People with a malformed or absent outer ear can use a bone conduction hearing aid. The device can be attached to a band or soft headband and placed on the mastoid, which is a bony bump behind the ear. The sound can then be transmitted to the inner ear.

• For People with Severe Skin Allergies or Ear Infections

People with severe skin allergies or ear infections can use bone conduction hearing aids. The device does not need to go in the ear canal, so it can prevent skin irritation or ear infections.

• For People Who Can't Wear Traditional Hearing Aids

People who can't wear traditional hearing aids can benefit from bone conduction hearing aids. These include people with chronic ear infections, people with narrow ear canals, or people who find traditional hearing aids uncomfortable to wear.

• For People with Conductive Hearing Loss

A bone conduction hearing aid can help people with conductive hearing loss. For example, it transmits sound to the functioning inner ear by bypassing the outer or middle ear. It can also amplify the sound to compensate for the hearing loss.

How to choose bone conduction hearing aids

For buyers who need a bone conduction hearing aid, here are some tips for choosing the right one for their needs.

• Water-resistant: If they are interested in wearing their bone conduction hearing aid while working out or doing other physical activities, they should consider a model that is water-resistant or waterproof.
• Wireless connectivity: Some types of bone conduction hearing aids offer wireless connectivity to devices like smartphones or TVs. This feature can be helpful for some users.
• Comfort: When choosing a bone conduction hearing aid, it is essential to pick one that is comfortable to wear for long periods.
• Size and style: Buyers can choose from different styles of bone conduction hearing aids. When selecting a model, they should consider their preferences and lifestyle.
• Power source: Bone conduction hearing aids are available in rechargeable and disposable battery options. The right one for them depends on their needs and lifestyle.
• Consult a healthcare professional: Before choosing a bone conduction hearing aid, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider. They can help buyers choose a model that is right for their needs and lifestyle.
• Try before they buy: If possible, they should try different models of bone conduction hearing aids before making a purchase. This can help them find a hearing aid that works well for them. Some manufacturers offer trial periods for their products.
• Set a budget: When choosing a bone conduction hearing aid it is important to set a budget. Buyers can find bone conduction hearing aids at different price points, so it is important to know how much they are willing to spend.

Bone conduction hearing aid Q&A

Q1. What are the advantages of wearing a bone conduction hearing aid?

A1. One advantage of bone conduction hearing aids is that they allow users to hear what's going on around them. This is because the ear canal is not blocked when sound bypasses it to reach the inner ear. Also, the sound received is much clearer and crisper than with normal hearing aids. This is because the sound is transmitted directly to the inner ear where it is processed as though it came from within the body. Because the sound is perceived this way, it is easier to tell the direction it is coming from, even if the sound is not actually within the body. Bone conduction hearing aids are also comfortable because they don't go inside the ear canal.

Q2. Can people with normal hearing loss wear bone conduction hearing aids?

A2. Yes. People with normal hearing can wear bone conduction hearing aids. They are helpful for people with unilateral hearing loss or those who have a conductive hearing loss due to conditions like an ear infection, a punctured eardrum, or a malformation of the ear canal. If someone has a conductive hearing loss, the sound can't travel through the outer and middle ear to reach the cochlear in the inner ear. A bone conduction hearing aid bypasses the damaged part of the ear to transmit the sound to the inner ear, where the nerve endings can pick it up and send it to the brain.

Q3. How often should the hearing aid be cleaned?

A3. Cleaning the hearing aid regularly helps to keep it in good working condition. Instruct the patient to clean the hearing aid every day. They can use a soft, dry cloth to wipe off any wax build-up. If the hearing aid has a removable earmold, show them how to remove and clean it in warm, soapy water. Also, clean the hearing aid with a brush to remove any debris or dirt that might have accumulated inside the device.

Q4. How long should a bone conduction hearing aid be worn each day?

A4. When a patient first starts wearing a bone conduction hearing aid, suggest they start out wearing it for a few hours each day and gradually increase the wearing time. This helps the brain adjust to the new way of hearing sound.