Manufacturers of hearing aids are continuously inventing new models to cater to the diverse demands of those who experience hearing loss. Implantable hearing aid technology has made a notable advancement, specifically with cochlear implants (also called the "Bionic Ear") and bone conduction implants.
Bone conduction implants and processors are one of the most recent hearing aid technological solutions that patients who either do not benefit from or are unable to use traditional hearing aids can use. Bone conduction implants are a great option for those who suffer from conductive hearing loss or single-sided deafness since they allow for direct communication to the inner ear.
Those who suffer from conductive hearing loss or single-sided deafness and are unable to use or benefit from conventional hearing aids will soon have an alternate option with bone conduction implants and processors. Ideal candidates may have a history of middle ear surgery, intense skin problems in the ear canal, a history of recurrent ear infections and/or discharge, or both.
A bone conduction hearing aid takes advantage of the natural phenomenon of bone conduction to transmit pure, undistorted sound waves straight to the inner ear, as opposed to the more conventional approach of trying to bypass the impaired outer and/or middle ear. A sound processor picks up ambient noise and converts it into audible vibrations. The tiny implant is connected to the abutment or magnetically by means of vibrations, which then stimulate the bone directly to your inner ear.
An ENT surgeon will surgically implant a bone conduction system in an operating room, and an audiologist will fit and fine-tune the sound processor. Med-El, Cochlear & Oticon Medical, and Hearing Care 360 are the three Indian makers of bone conduction implants and processors. There are a variety of options available, just as there are with more conventional hearing aids; however, we will tailor our recommendations to each individual patient based on their specific requirements and, of course, surgical candidacy. The fact that the Cochlear Baha 5 processor is compatible with iPhones is something we really like.
