Bone conduction technology enables people with hearing loss to hear. The Bonebridge implant send sound waves through bone conduction straight to the inner ear. Hear they are processed just like a natural sound

The basics of bone conduction

It is known that sound waves enter the ear and travel through three small bones - the hammer, anvil, and stirrup - to stimulate hair cells in the cochlea. The brain interprets these signals as sound.

Bone-conducting hearing (BCH) causes vibrations through solid objects to reach sensitive nerves on bones in your skull that transmit sound waves into your inner ear where they are transformed into neural impulses that are transmitted to your brain for interpretation of what was heard.

The technology behind the bone conduction

In bone conduction, sound energy is transmitted through the skull bone via vibrations of the skull. The vibrations enter a set of bones, typically placed above the ear. A microphone picks up these vibrations and sends them to an external processor for processing and amplification. Sound ultimately reaches the inner ear via bone membrane - a thin layer of tissue covering the cochlea (the snail shaped organ that serves as the sensory organ for hearing). Hear how bone conduction technology works

A hearing aid is a device used by people with hearing loss to amplify sounds in specific frequencies. The device may also provide additional sounds (for example signals from other people or announcements).

Is bone conduction bad?

Even with bone conduction, sound played at high or moderate levels may potentially cause damage to the ear. The same goes for regular headphones.

Are bone conduction headphones worth it?

The technology is currently costly but several brands are launching bone conduction headphones with lower prices. You can hear cars and pedestrians and other sounds clearly - and at lower volume levels.

Are bone conduction implants effective?

Yes, bone conduction implant technology has been used for several decades and thousands of people are already using the solution to improve their hearing. Some have even reported hearing a lot better since they started using it.

Bone conduction implants are extremely effective at improving hearing for people who have typical hearing loss. It is considered the most natural method of sound transmission.

Should you have a bone conduction hearing aid?

Bone conduction technology is best for people with hearing loss who have a moderate to severe loss in higher frequencies. These people usually cannot benefit from regular hearing aids. Bone conduction may also be an option if you have sensitivity to sound.

Some people use bone conduction technology as a tool for meditation. It has been shown to cause relaxation, tranquility, and calmness that is often associated with meditation.

Conclusion

Bone conduction is a possible method of enhancing hearing in those with hearing loss. The technology is relatively new but it offers hope that the deaf can hear. Even with the advances in technology, bone conduction is still not as efficient as other options, but it has proven to be effective for many people.