I love sharing my experience with hearing loss and treatment, particularly if it helps even one person take that first step or changes someone’s mind about who hearing loss can affect. This Better Hearing Month is the ideal time to share a bit more of my experience and the options and functionality of bone anchored hearing aids themselves.
Options
There are many types of traditional hearing aids, suited to fit individual lifestyles, personal preferences, and hearing loss. Common types include behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-canal (RIC), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), completely-in-the-canal (CIC), and invisible-in-the-canal (IIC). For severe or profound hearing loss that has not benefited from the types of hearing aids listed here, there are other options, such as cochlear implants. Cochlear implants are surgically implanted medical devices that replace the function of a damaged inner ear (cochlea).
However, there are other options in the wide world of hearing health and this brings us to the focus of this blog: bone anchored hearing aids. These devices go by a couple of different names, including bone conduction hearing aids and osseointegrated devices, but the functionality is the same. Simply put, bone conduction works by capturing sound through the external processor, which sends vibrations through the skull and stimulates the cochlea. In this way, the ear canal and middle ear are bypassed.
In my case, a medical condition led to the destruction of the tiny hearing bones in my middle ear that are essential for conducting sound. Traditional hearing aids were not an option for me, but my ENT and audiology team were relentless in finding a solution. This is another example of the critical importance of hearing professionals when addressing hearing loss, not only to address (or rule out) underlying medical conditions, but to find the solution that will work for your specific circumstance.
Optics
Bone anchored hearing aids can be just as discreet as traditional hearing aids. My system is implanted, where a titanium screw (the abutment) is implanted in my skull and a processor snaps on to the abutment. For me, the technology is incredibly discreet and covered by my hair. Even when my hair is pulled back, the processor blends with the color of my hair and hardly stands out. At the same time, I don’t mind when my device is visible because it provides another opportunity to engage someone with questions about my device and hearing loss treatment options. It’s my small way of fighting the stigma around hearing loss one person at a time!
Surgical implantation for bone conduction hearing aids is not the only option, with different manufacturers offering adhesive options or attachment using a soft band. Additionally, the sound processors themselves come in different colors to match hair or skin tone. Your hearing health team can help you choose the system that works best for your hearing loss and lifestyle.
Opportunity
The features of implanted systems can mirror those of traditional hearing aids, including Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone applications. I value the streaming features of my bone anchored device and the seamless connectivity to take phone calls through my processor. Further, through the app I can adjust the volume or switch programs to adapt to my different listening environments.
Additionally, bone conduction technology itself has applications beyond hearing loss. For example, I generally remove my device when working out to avoid any damage from sweat or moisture. To listen to my music, I use bone conduction headphones that sit in front of my ears. In this way, my ears are left unobstructed, allowing me to pick up environmental sounds (for safety and convenience) while still enjoying my music.
If you are experiencing hearing difficulty, take steps to see a hearing professional today. There are many options available and treating hearing loss can lead to better emotional and physical wellbeing. So during this Better Hearing Month, start feeling those good vibrations!
The Hearing Industries Association is the trusted voice on hearing health care for product innovation, public policy, patient safety and education.
