Bone Conduction Hearing Devices

A bone conduction hearing device is worn either on a soft band or attached to a metal implant, which has been surgicaly implanted behind the ear. Sound in transmitted through the bone of the head directly to the inner ear, instead of travelling down the ear canal like traditional hearing aids.

A bone conduction hearing device may be recommended if a child has a conductive hearing loss or if it it not possible to use a conventional hearing aid.

The vibrating transducer is positioned on the bone behind the ear. The band needs to be fitting well so that the transducer is in close contact with the head and the vibrations can be conducted through the skull. It is important to check that the bone conduction device is working every day. This can be done by turning it on, cupping the transducer in your hand and speaking into the microphone, to check that the transducer is vibrating. The NDCS provides information for families about devices worn on a softband.

A trial of a bone conduction hearing device on a softband can take place to see if this is a suitable option, prior to considering bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) surgery. 

A fact sheet, 'Bone anchored hearing aids: information for families' by Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children explains the different types of BAHA's.

References

GOSH NHS Foundation Trust (2020) Bone anchored hearing aids: information for families Online: Available at: https://media.gosh.nhs.uk/documents/Bone_anchored_hearing_aids_F0433_FINAL_Nov20.pdf [Accessed: 14th February 2021].