Bone conduction hearing solutions

What is bone conduction hearing?

There are several ways to hear. One is when sounds travel to the eardrums through the ear canal. This way of hearing is also called air conduction.

Another way is when sound vibrations travel through bones in the head. This way of hearing is called bone conduction.

The vibrations bypass the eardrum and transmit sounds straight to the inner-ear, which transforms the sounds into a message for the brain.

The combination of both types of hearing is needed to hear and perceive sound.

How bone conduction implants work

A bone conduction implant system can bypass damaged or blocked parts of the ear and deliver vibrations directly to the inner ear. The inner ear converts the vibrations to electrical signals that the brain interprets as sound.

There are three parts to a bone conduction system:

• A small titanium implant that is surgically inserted in the bone behind the ear
• An a abutment or a magnet that connects the implant to the sound processor
• An external sound processor

Together, these parts bypass the section of the ear is not working, sending vibrations directly through the bone to the inner ear.

In which cases can a bone conduction implant be recommended?

• At least one ear has moderate to severe conductive or mixed hearing loss;
• The traditional apparatus by air or bone is no longer sufficient or cannot be used, due to an infection for example;
• Reconstructive middle ear surgery has not given the expected results or is not recommended.

The bone conduction implant can also be considered in the event of at least severe unilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

Are there bone conduction solutions that don't need surgery?

Some systems allow people to carry a bone conduction sound processor without resorting to implantation. This is possible thanks to headbands, softbands and adhesive systems

In addition, some pairs of glasses also incorporate this bone conduction technology and thus help to see and hear.