Bone Conduction Implants

Bone Conduction Implants are a type of bone-anchored device and bone-anchored hearing aids designed to help individuals with certain types of hearing loss. They are recommended for patients with conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, or single-sided deafness (severe to profound hearing loss in one ear). These devices conduct sound waves through the bone to bypass the external and middle ear to reach the inner ear. This type of sound transmission is referred to as bone conduction.

Bone conduction implants are typically recommended for individuals who won’t benefit from external hearing aids, and candidates include those who are not good candidates for traditional hearing aids. These implants offer the benefit of improved hearing outcomes for appropriate candidates who may not benefit from other solutions.

What are Bone Conduction Implants?

Bone conduction implants (BCIs) consist of two types of devices: active BCIs and passive BCIs. At AOO | ENT Specialists of the Rockies, we offer all types of bone conduction devices and will help you determine which would be most appropriate for your specific type and degree of hearing loss.

Active BCIs are newer bone conduction implants that are rapidly gaining popularity as high-fidelity bone conduction solutions. These devices are implanted into the skull behind the ear and are hidden completely underneath the skin. A speech processor is worn on the scalp that is secured via a magnet over the internal component of the implant in the head. The externally worn speech processor detects sound, electronically transmits the signal to the internal device, and produces programmable active vibration of the implant. Examples of active BCIs include the Med El BONEBRIDGE and the Cochlear Osia. Common brands of bone conduction implants also include Cochlear Baha®, Oticon Medical Ponto, and MED-EL BONEBRIDGE.

Before active bone conduction devices were developed, the most common surgical option for bone conduction was passive BCIs. These devices are also attached to the skull behind the ear and secured either through the skin (percutaneous) or via a magnet (transcutaneous) to an externally worn speech processor. In these devices, the speech processor detects sound and vibrates. These vibrations are passively conducted to the internal device, which in turn vibrates the skull for bone conduction. Examples of passive devices include the Cochlear Baha Connect and Oticon Ponto (percutaneous devices) as well as the Cochlear Baha Attract (a transcutaneous device).

Causes and Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can arise from a variety of causes, including aging, prolonged exposure to loud noises, genetic factors, and certain medical conditions. Understanding the type of hearing loss is essential in determining the most effective hearing solution. There are three primary types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed.

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot efficiently travel through the outer ear or middle ear to reach the inner ear. This may be due to blockages, infections, or abnormalities in the ear canal, eardrum, or middle ear bones. For individuals with conductive hearing loss, bone conduction hearing aids and bone anchored hearing aids offer a unique advantage. These devices bypass the damaged outer or middle ear by transmitting sound vibrations directly through the skull bone to the inner ear, allowing for clearer sound perception.

Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss is often permanent and can result from aging, exposure to loud noise, certain medications, or genetic factors. While traditional air conduction hearing aids and cochlear implants are commonly used for sensorineural hearing loss, bone conduction hearing systems may also be considered in specific cases, especially when other options are not suitable.

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural components. In these cases, bone conduction hearing solutions can play a vital role by bypassing the conductive component and delivering sound directly to the functioning parts of the inner ear.

In summary, bone conduction hearing aids and implants offer an effective hearing solution for individuals with conductive, mixed, or certain cases of sensorineural hearing loss. By bypassing damaged areas of the ear and directly stimulating the inner ear, these devices can significantly enhance the quality of life for both adults and children experiencing hearing loss. If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing difficulties, consulting with a hearing specialist is the first step toward finding the right hearing solution.

What Patients Are Saying

Dr. Nikki Picerno was outstanding in assessing my wife’s condition. She was thorough, described further diagnostic options and followed up promptly. Her “bedside manner” was comforting and it was clear she took personal interest in achieving the best outcomes. We highly recommend Dr. Picerno!

I recently had to find a new ENT after my employer changed my insurance. I have a complicated health history so it can be daunting to find a new provider that you trust. I was very pleased with Dr. Picerno – she was kind, patient and very thorough! I’m so happy to have found her! I also met with Amelia, an audiologist, and she was also awesome!

Great experience overall. Dr. Rasband and her staff helped identify some nasal issues that will soon be corrected. We’ve also taken our kids here and had similarly great experiences.

Write A Review

Hearing Solutions in Denver, CO

The experts at AOO | ENT Specialists of the Rockies are well-versed in the full spectrum of treatment options for patients suffering from hearing loss. From basic hearing aids to implantable hearing devices, our solutions have helped hundreds achieve a better quality of life through better hearing.

To learn more about these hearing implants and to find out which may be right for your unique needs, call us or contact us online today to schedule an appointment.

Read Our Blog

View All

How Do Bone Conduction Implants Work?

READ BLOG

Hearing Aid Basics

READ BLOG