What is bone conduction hearing technology?
A bone conduction hearing device is an externally worn or surgically implanted device that uses mechanical vibrations to send sound through the bones of the skull to the inner ear. It can be used for patients who have conductive, mixed, or profound unilateral hearing loss.
How does it work?
Traditional
This system consists of a sound processor, which uses microphones to pick up environmental sounds. These sounds are converted to mechanical vibrations, which are transmitted through the bones of the skull to the inner ear. The sound processor is held in place behind the ear by a soft headband, an adhesive sticker, a magnetic implant, or an implant with an abutment that goes through the skin.Active bone conduction
This is an implantable solution. An external sound processor uses microphones to pick up environmental sounds. These sounds are converted to digital information, which is transmitted across the skin to an internal implant. The digital signal is converted into mechanical vibrations of the implant, which are transmitted to the cochlea.Who is a candidate for this technology?
Type of Hearing Loss
Bone conduction systems are suitable for people with conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, and severe to profound unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (Single-Sided Deafness).
Age
- Patients of all ages are eligible for non-implanted bone conduction systems.
- Adults and children 5 years of age and older are eligible for traditional implanted bone conduction systems.
- Adults and children 12 years of age and older are eligible for active bone conduction systems.
Where can I find more information?
CochlearOticon Medical
Med El
