What is bone conduction?
With normal air conduction, sound travels through the outer and middle ear to the inner ear. Bone conduction uses vibration through the skull to stimulate the inner ear. The principle is used both in diagnostic hearing tests and in certain hearing devices.
When may it be considered?
Bone-conduction solutions may be considered in some conductive or mixed hearing losses, in certain outer- or middle-ear anatomical situations, and in some systems for single-sided deafness. Candidacy depends on the individual hearing configuration and medical context.
Non-implantable options
Some devices transmit vibration through the skin and are held by a softband or another external coupling. They can be useful as a trial or temporary option.
Implantable systems
An implantable system requires assessment through a specialist implant/otology centre. The surgical team considers ear status, bone-conduction thresholds, anatomy, age and expected benefit. An audiologist can identify whether referral is appropriate, but the operation and surgical candidacy decision belong to the specialist centre.
How is this different from a conventional hearing aid?
A conventional air-conduction hearing aid amplifies sound and delivers it through the ear canal. A bone-conduction device uses a different transmission route, so the choice should not be based only on appearance or price.
Related: adult hearing assessment, hearing-aid guide.
