Bone Conduction Solutions

If you or your child has single-sided deafness, conductive hearing loss or mixed hearing loss, a bone conduction system designed to provide access to clear, rich and natural sound1 may help you tune into the sounds of life.

What is bone conduction hearing?

Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound through the ear canal, a bone conduction solution helps you hear by bypassing blocked or impaired parts of the natural hearing pathway, sending vibrations through the bone directly to the inner ear. There, they are picked up by the hearing nerve and sent to the brain to be interpreted as sound. This may make them a suitable option for some people who cannot benefit from traditional hearing aids.

Bone conduction solutions can be either surgical implant systems or non-surgical wearable solutions.

Could a bone conduction implant help you?

If you answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions about you or your child, a bone conduction implant may be suitable for you.

  • Do you have problems hearing in one or both ears?
  • Do you experience sore or irritated ears due to your hearing aids?
  • Have you already had middle-ear surgeries that failed to restore your hearing?
  • Was your child born with malformed ears or ear canals?

Cochlear offers different bone conduction solutions depending on your hearing needs:

A man placing a small Cochlear Osia sound processor on his head.

Cochlear Osia® System

An active bone conduction implant system with a slim, off-the-ear sound processor that is designed to help you hear better in every day situations.

Learn more
A woman with a Cochlear Baha bone conduction implant system.

Cochlear Baha® System

A bone conduction system that uses advanced technologies designed to transmit sound vibrations through the bone to the inner ear.

Learn more
A smiling young girl with a Cochlear non-surgical bone conduction solution.

Cochlear Baha® Start

A non-surgical bone conduction solution designed to help adults and children hear until they're ready for an implantable solution.

Learn more

Osia® System

Osia® System

This is an active bone conduction implant system made up of two key components:

External sound processor: The sound processor captures sounds around you and converts them to a digital signal. It’s connected to the implanted component via a magnetic connection with a digital link to transfer power and sound signal.

Internal implant: The Osia® implant is attached to the bone using the stable foundation of the Cochlear® BI300 Implant with proven long-term reliability and sound transmission.2,3

The Osia System is the only active bone conduction system that uses piezoelectric technology to convert the sound signal into vibrations. Its Piezo Power™ transducer is engineered to provide high-frequency performance critical for understanding speech, especially in noisy situations.4

Osia® System

This is an active bone conduction implant system made up of two key components:

External sound processor: The sound processor captures sounds around you and converts them to a digital signal. It’s connected to the implanted component via a magnetic connection with a digital link to transfer power and sound signal.

Internal implant: The Osia® implant is attached to the bone using the stable foundation of the Cochlear® BI300 Implant with proven long-term reliability and sound transmission.2,3

The Osia System is the only active bone conduction system that uses piezoelectric technology to convert the sound signal into vibrations. Its Piezo Power™ transducer is engineered to provide high-frequency performance critical for understanding speech, especially in noisy situations.4

Baha® System

Baha® System

This is a traditional bone conduction implant system which is made up of three key components:

External sound processor: The sound processor captures the sounds around you.

Connection type: The sound processor is connected to the implanted component either via an abutment connection (Baha Connect System) or a magnetic connection (Baha Attract System).

Internal implant: The Baha® System uses the stable foundation of the Cochlear BI300 Implant with proven long-term reliability and sound transmission.2,3

Baha® System

This is a traditional bone conduction implant system which is made up of three key components:

External sound processor: The sound processor captures the sounds around you.

Connection type: The sound processor is connected to the implanted component either via an abutment connection (Baha Connect System) or a magnetic connection (Baha Attract System).

Internal implant: The Baha® System uses the stable foundation of the Cochlear BI300 Implant with proven long-term reliability and sound transmission.2,3

Baha Start: a non-surgical bone conduction solution

Baha Start: a non-surgical bone conduction solution

Cochlear® Baha® Start can help adults and children experience bone conduction hearing before deciding on an implant. This non-surgical solution may be a good option for children who are too young for an implant or not ready for surgery, as it is designed to deliver sound to support children's development on par with hearing peers.5,6

Baha® Start has two main parts:

  • Either one or two Baha® Sound Processors that capture sound in the air.
  • A wearable Baha® SoftBand™ or SoundArc™ that holds the sound processor(s) in place and transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear.

Together, these parts bypass the blocked part of the ear, sending vibrations directly through the bone to the inner ear.

Explore a bone conduction trial, then decide.

Talk to your hearing health professional about whether a non-surgical trial may be suitable for you or your child.

Baha Start: a non-surgical bone conduction solution

Cochlear® Baha® Start can help adults and children experience bone conduction hearing before deciding on an implant. This non-surgical solution may be a good option for children who are too young for an implant or not ready for surgery, as it is designed to deliver sound to support children's development on par with hearing peers.5,6

Baha® Start has two main parts:

  • Either one or two Baha® Sound Processors that capture sound in the air.
  • A wearable Baha® SoftBand™ or SoundArc™ that holds the sound processor(s) in place and transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear.

Together, these parts bypass the blocked part of the ear, sending vibrations directly through the bone to the inner ear.

Explore a bone conduction trial, then decide.

Talk to your hearing health professional about whether a non-surgical trial may be suitable for you or your child.

Benefits of bone conduction hearing

A man wearing a Cochlear Osia implant system laughing and chatting with two friends.

“Music didn’t feel as full or as complete with hearing loss. Now that I’ve got the Osia System, I can enjoy music a lot more.”

- Adrian, Osia® System recipient

Frequently asked questions

Adults and children with the following conditions may benefit from bone conduction hearing solutions:

  • Single-sided deafness (SSD)
  • Conductive hearing loss
  • Mixed hearing loss
  • Chronic ear infections or draining ears
  • Malformed ears or ear canals

You may also benefit if you experience discomfort or irritation when using traditional hearing aids.

 

Bone conduction implant procedures are well-established and typically performed as outpatient surgery. Your surgeon will explain any risks and help you understand whether this option is suitable for you or your child.

Learn more about bone conduction surgery.

 

Bone conduction solutions work differently from hearing aids. Instead of amplifying sound through the ear canal, they send sound vibrations through the bone directly to the inner ear, bypassing damaged or blocked parts of the ear. This makes them suitable for people who cannot benefit from traditional hearing aids.

 

Yes. Bone conduction solutions can be suitable for children with certain types of hearing loss. Non-surgical options like Baha Start are often used for younger children before implant surgery is considered.

 

Yes. Cochlear Baha Start allows adults and children to experience bone conduction hearing without surgery before deciding on an implant.

 

Connect-with-a-mentor-Facebook-group-image.jpg

Talk to someone who’s been there

Connect with a Cochlear Buddy and hear their story.

Connect with a Cochlear Buddy

Have more questions?

Get in touch with the Cochlear Engagement Team. We provide a free information service to help you understand your options and feel confident about your next steps.

Contact us
A cochlear implant processor worn behind a person's ear.

Costs and funding

Understand the costs and funding options available for your Cochlear® hearing solution.

Read more
Woman wearing a cochlear implant walking through an airport with a friend.

Implant surgery and preparation

Understanding what to expect during and after surgery can help you or your child feel more prepared and confident.

Read more
Cochlear Nucleus implant recipient.

Cochlear stories: life with a Cochlear® device

People who know hearing loss speak about their experience. These inspirational stories give you real insights into life with a Cochlear™ device.

Read more

Disclaimer

Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always follow the directions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.

For a full list of Cochlear’s trademarks, please visit our Terms of Use page.

Views expressed are those of the individual. Consult your health professional to determine if you are a candidate for Cochlear technology.

In Australia, Cochlear™ Nucleus® implant systems are intended for the treatment of moderately severe to profound hearing loss.

In Australia, Baha® bone conduction implant systems are intended for the treatment of moderate to profound hearing loss.

In Australia, the Cochlear™ Osia® System is indicated for patients with conductive, mixed hearing loss and single-sided sensorineural deafness (SSD) aged 5 years and above with up to 55 decibels sensorineural hearing loss. Patients should have sufficient bone quality and quantity to support successful implant placement. Surgery is required to use this product. Any surgical procedure carries risk.

For the Cochlear™ Osia® System in Australia: The Osia System is indicated for patients with conductive, mixed hearing loss and single-sided sensorineural deafness (SSD) aged 5 years and above. Patients should have sufficient bone quality and quantity to support successful implant placement. Surgery is required to use this product. Any surgical procedure carries risk.

For Cochlear™ Nucleus®, Osia® and Baha® systems: This product is not available for purchase by the general public. For information on funding and reimbursement please contact your health care professional.

Any testimonial featured on this website is intended for an Australian audience only.

References

  1. Hoffman J. Subjective evaluation of clear rich and natural sound. Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions AB, Sweden. 2020; D1788013.
  2. Nelissen RC, Stalfors J, de Wolf MJ et al. Long-term stability, survival, and tolerability of a novel osseointegrated implant for bone conduction hearing: 3-year data from a multicenter, randomized, controlled, clinical investigation. Otol Neurotol. 2014;35(8):1486-91.
  3. Mylanus EAM, Hua H, Wigren S, et al. Multicenter Clinical Investigation of a New Active Osseointegrated Steady-State Implant System. Otol Neurotol. 2020;41(9):1249-1257.
  4. Osia 3(I) Sound Processor and OSI300 Implant Datasheet. Cochlear Limited, Sweden. 2026; D2304776.
  5. Yoshinaga-Itano C. Early Intervention after universal neonatal hearing screening: impact on outcomes. Dev Disabil Res Rev. 2003;9(4):252-66.
  6. Lieu JC. Speech-Language and Educational Consequences of Unilateral Hearing Loss in Children. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2004;130(5):524-30.
  7. Flynn MC, Sadeghi A, Halvarsson G. Baha solutions for patients with severe mixed hearing loss. Cochlear Implants Int 2009;10 Suppl 1:43-7.
  8. Hol MK, Snik AF, Mylanus EA, Cremers CW. Long-term results of bone anchored hearing aid recipients who had previously used air-conduction hearing aids. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2005 Apr;131(4):321-5.
  9. CLTD5839 Clinical Investigation Report. Cochlear Limited, Sweden. 2025; D2367209
  10. Ahmad N, Etheridge C, Farrington M, Baguley DM. Prospective study of the microbiological flora of hearing aid moulds and the efficacy of current cleaning techniques. J Laryngol Otol. 2007;121(2):110–3.
  11. Karaca CT, Akçay SS, Toros SZ, et al. External auditory canal microbiology and hearing aid use. Am. J. Otolaryngol. 2013;34(4): 278-281.
  12. Hol MK, Cremers CW, Coppens-Schellekens W, Snik AF. The Baha Softband. A new treatment for young children with bilateral congenital aural atresia. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2005;69:973-80.
  13. Tejani, V. D., Stevens, S., Meyer, A., Bartoshuk, M., Berry, S., Aubuchon, P., Cismas, M., Doolittle, S., Drob, J., Flores, N., Hill, L. M., Levy, E. M., Litton, H., Maher, R., Marchegiani, A., Mauro, L., Moyer, C., Novak, J. L. S., Purdy, J., . . . Murray, G. (2025). Audiological outcomes of the Cochlear Osia 2 bone conduction system implanted under expanded indications in a pediatric population. International Journal of Audiology, 1–10.