You’ll Never Believe How Bone Conduction Hearing Aids Work! (And How They Can Help You)

Did you know that more than 460 million people worldwide suffer from hearing loss, although only a small percentage utilise hearing aids?

Bone conduction hearing aids (BAHAs), or bone-anchored devices, offer a unique and effective solution for specific types of hearing loss. 

With FDA approval and studies demonstrating increased user satisfaction, they are a compelling option for those facing hearing challenges.

Unlike traditional hearing aids, bone conduction devices bypass the outer and middle ear, sending sound waves directly to the inner ear through the bones of the skull. This unique approach makes them a viable alternative for those seeking different auditory rehabilitation options, including those with conductive hearing loss and young children with congenital aural atresia and microtia.

This blog post will look into the science, advantages, and practical uses of bone conduction hearing aids.

Understanding Bone Conduction Hearing Aids

Bone conduction devices represent a major change in the way people receive hearing aids. Here is how these hearing aids receive the sound:

1. Sound waves are transmitted through the air and reach the bone conduction device.
2. Instead of passing via the outer and middle ears, sound waves bypass them and directly excite the cochlea, the organ responsible for hearing.
3. The cochlea receives these vibrations and converts them into electrical signals that are sent to the brain.
4. The brain interprets these signals as sound, allowing the user to perceive sound despite any issues with their outer or middle ear.

Bone Conduction Hearing Aids: Are They Beneficial for Certain Hearing Losses?

As it avoids damaged ear tissue, this method is especially helpful for people with specific forms of hearing loss, such as conductive hearing loss or single-sided deafness, allowing for a clearer perception of sound. They are also useful for cases where patients have microtia or anotia – malformed or missing outer ears.

By helping users rediscover the joys of music and better communication in noisy surroundings, bone conduction devices significantly improve the auditory experience for the users.

Determining Eligibility and Accessing Treatment

Suitable patients for bone conduction hearing aids (BAHA) or Bone Conduction Devices usually suffer conductive hearing loss due to ear deformities, recurrent otitis media, or single-sided deafness. BAHA is also suitable for patients with microtia or malformed outer ears.

A full assessment by hearing care specialists from the Centre for Hearing® can confirm if this is a suitable method, followed by thorough conversations about treatment choices available.

Types of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices

There are basically two types of bone conduction devices out there. Each type is made to fit different needs and what individuals may prefer.

1. Non-Surgical Options.

1. BAHA on the Band – from Cochlear
   
   Consider soft headband bone conduction aids for young patients or individuals hesitant about surgery.
   Cost: Approx Rs.4.2 lacs in India
2. BAHA SoundArc – from Cochlear
   
   BAHA SoundArc is a band that goes around your neck, similar to a Bluetooth device.
   Cost: Approx Rs.4.2 lacs
3. ADHEAR from MED-EL
   
   This is the easiest and most discreet non-surgical Bone conduction device in the market. This adhesive-based solution can easily be put on the mastoid bone behind the ear. The unit itself can be taken off the adhesive sticker at night and while bathing.

 Cost: Approx Rs.2.7 lacs

Watch the adHear video here:

• These aids provide a revolutionary substitute without the need for invasive procedures.
• Ideal for those seeking temporary or non-permanent solutions for hearing impairment.
• It can be a preferred option for individuals with cosmetic concerns or those seeking discreet solutions.

2. Surgical Options

• Explore surgical implants for a permanent and long-term solution to hearing impairment.
• Implants require simple procedures to fit inside components with a magnet or an abutment, providing lasting help.
• Ideal for individuals seeking a permanent solution without the need for daily adjustments.
• Considered medically suitable for patients with specific hearing conditions or severity.

Surgical Bone Conduction/BAHA Options:

1. ‘Osia’ by Cochlear
   Cost: Rs.750,000 + approx 1.5 lacs surgical & hospitalisation packages
2. ‘BAHA 5’ or ‘BAHA 5 Power’ or ‘BAHA 5 Super Power’ by Cochlear
   Cost: Rs.550,000 + approx 1.5 lacs surgical & hospitalisation packages
3. ‘Bonebridge’ by MED-EL
   Cost: Rs.630,000 incl GST

Standard warranties on Surgical BAHA:

• Implant: 10 years
• Processor: 2 years

Bone Conduction Hearing Aids: How Safe Are They?

Bone conduction hearing aids don’t have the potential to harm the eardrum or canal hence, they are regarded as very safe.

To make sure they are appropriate for your unique hearing needs, it is crucial to speak with an experienced audiologist and hearing aids experts before using them.

Centre For Hearing®, with its pan-Indian presence, modern facilities with experienced audiologists and a brand-agnostic approach to hearing aids, can deliver you the supreme quality of hearing care.

For more information, check out the detailed hearing aid pricing that fits your budget. 

You can also take a look at the major hearing aid brands you can choose from. 

Some Considerations for Making a Decision

Here are some key aspects that you should evaluate before proceeding:

• Assess medical suitability with a healthcare professional to determine eligibility for surgery.
• Evaluate lifestyle choices and daily activities to understand the impact of each option.
• Consider cosmetic concerns and preferences when choosing between surgical and non-surgical options.
• Discuss long-term goals and expectations with your healthcare provider for personalised guidance.
• Before making a decision, consider the potential dangers, advantages, and recovery times for each alternative.

3 Major Benefits of Bone Conduction Hearing Aids

Here are some notable benefits of these hearing aids:

1. Enhanced comfort and convenience

Bone conduction hearing aids offer considerable comfort and convenience. Plus, they steer clear of the ear canal, so you can avoid irritation and inflammation, making them the perfect choice for all-day wear.

2. Improved sound quality and clarity

With these enhancements, users can enjoy a more natural auditory experience. They reduce distortion and improve listening satisfaction by transferring sound straight to the inner ear.

Users also benefit from increased situational awareness and communication while using bone conduction aids, particularly in noisy surroundings.

3. Ideal for conductive hearing loss

As noted before, bone conduction aids are handy for folks with conductive hearing loss or those who only hear out of one ear.

Embracing Better Auditory Experience with Centre For Hearing®

Owing to their novelty and effectiveness, bone conduction hearing aids are a miracle for folks with unique types of hearing problems. These devices improve users’ quality of life by offering a new channel for clearer sound through surgical implants or non-surgical options.

Arranging a thorough hearing assessment with Centre For Hearing® is highly advised if you or someone you care about is experiencing hearing issues.

Our top-notch facilities are present across India, offering full audiological services in locations such as Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, the Chandigarh Tricity Area, and Punjab.

Also, we provide a varied choice of internationally renowned hearing aid brands such as Widex, Signia, Resound, Starkey, Oticon, and more.

Make an appointment with the Centre For Hearing® right now to begin your journey toward improved hearing.