At Horend Goed, we regularly meet people who have been struggling with their hearing for a long time, despite properly adjusted hearing aids. Sometimes the problem is not in the inner ear, but in the conduction of sound. In such cases, a bone anchored hearing system (also called a bone conduction hearing aid) may be a possible solution.
In this blog, we explain what a bone anchored system is, who it is intended for, and how the process works. We also tell you how Horend Goed can advise and guide you through this, without us performing the implantation or adjustment ourselves.
What is a bone anchored hearing system?
A bone anchored hearing system works differently than a regular hearing aid.
Instead of allowing sound to pass through the ear canal and middle ear, the system converts sound into vibrations that are conducted through the skull bone directly to the inner ear.
The system consists of two parts:
- A small implant in the bone behind the ear (placed by an ENT doctor or specialist)
- An external sound processor that captures sound and converts it into vibrations
Thus, the external and middle ear are “skipped,” so to speak. For people in whom those parts of the ear do not function properly, this can make a big difference.
Who is a bone anchored system for?
Not everyone is a candidate for this type of hearing solution. In general, a bone anchored system may be appropriate for:
- Conductive hearing loss – when the middle or outer ear does not transmit sound properly. For example, due to a narrowed ear canal, eardrum problems or damage to the ossicles.
- Mixed hearing loss – a combination of conductive and sensorineural loss, with the inner ear still functioning well enough.
- Single-sided deafness – when one ear hears nothing, a bone anchoring system can bring sound from that side through the skull bone to the good-hearing ear.
An important criterion is that the inner ear (cochlea) still works sufficiently well. The system can only function if the auditory nerve and cochlea still process sound signals properly.
The pathway: from suspicion to referral
When a regular hearing aid gives insufficient results, we as audiologists first look extensively at the cause. Sometimes it turns out that the problem is not in the amplification, but in the transmission of sound through the middle ear.
In this case, a bone anchored system may be an appropriate next step. Horend Goed does not perform or adjust these implants itself – this is always done through an audiological center or a specialized hospital, in cooperation with an ENT specialist.
However, we can advise you when it is wise to consider that step, and help you prepare for that journey.
What happens at an audiology center?
At the audiology center, your medical and technical suitability for a bone anchored system will be carefully examined.
The specialists perform tasks including:
- A comprehensive hearing exam – to determine what part of the hearing is still functioning
- Assessment of bone quality – the bone behind the ear must be firm enough for anchoring
- A trial period with testing equipment – often you can temporarily experience what vibration guidance does before considering an implant
- Medical consultation – the ENT doctor discusses options, risks and expected outcome
Only then is a decision made as to whether placement makes sense.
How does placement work?
If the system proves suitable, implantation follows. This is a minor surgical procedure in which a titanium implant is placed in the bone behind the ear. After healing (usually several weeks to months), the external processor can be connected.
The audiology center then sets up the system and checks that the settings fit your hearing. This is followed by a period of follow-up care during which adjustments are made and you learn how to use the system.
What can you expect in everyday use?
Most users quickly notice a difference in clarity and intelligibility. Because the sound is conducted directly through the bone to the inner ear, there is less distortion. In addition, the ear canal remains free, which is nice for people who are prone to ear infections or occlusions.
Many users experience:
- Better speech understanding, especially in noisy situations
- More comfort, no earplug or tube in the ear
- Free ear canal, which is nice for skin sensitivity or ventilation problems
- A more natural sound experience, especially with mixed hearing loss
It does remain important to realize that a bone anchored system does not return full “normal hearing,” but is an aid that can significantly facilitate listening.
What is Horend Goed doing in this process?
At Horend Goed, we do not place or adjust implants. Our role is supportive and advisory. We review with you whether your current hearing aids offer the maximum result. If it appears that, despite a properly adjusted device, you are still not hearing sufficiently well, we will discuss whether a bone anchored system may have added value.
In doing so, we explain:
- What exactly the system does
- How the process at the audiology center works
- What to expect in terms of results and usage
This way, you can be well prepared to meet with the ENT doctor or audiology center.
When is the time to consider this?
In general, we do not recommend looking at a bone anchored system until:
- You still hear insufficiently with a properly adjusted hearing aid;
- There is a medical impediment to wearing a hearing aid;
- Your ear canal is frequently inflamed or unsuitable for a speaker or earpiece;
- There is unilateral deafness.
In all of these cases, we will consider together what is the most logical next step for you.
Summary
- A bone anchored hearing system conveys sound via vibration directly to the inner ear.
- It is especially suitable for conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss or unilateral deafness.
- Implantation and adjustment are performed by an audiology center and ENT specialist.
- Horend Goed does not fit these systems, but provides advice and guidance when a hearing aid does not provide sufficient results.
- The goal is always the same: to help you hear better, with a solution that fits your situation.
Want to know if this type of system is for you?
Do you feel that your current hearing aids are not providing enough improvement, despite multiple fittings? If so, we would be happy to work with you to see if a bone anchored hearing solution is worth exploring.
Feel free to make an appointment at Horend Goed – we will take the time to review your situation, clearly explain your options and help you take the next step toward better hearing.
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