Bone-Anchored Implants Can Connect Your Child with the Sounds of Their World
Every hearing loss patient is unique, and deserves a solution that matches their need. Some children with certain conditions like single-sided deafness or different formations of certain parts of the ear experience the most success with a bone-anchored hearing device.
You don’t have to embark on this journey of determining what works best for your child alone. At ENT for Children, we’ll support your child through the process of finding the ideal hearing loss treatment plan for your child’s individual needs. There are a lot of sounds in the world, and we want your child to be able to hear as many as they can.
How Does a Bone-Anchored Hearing Device Work?
Bone-anchored implants allow your child to hear sounds by transmitting vibrations to the inner ear. While traditional hearing aids amplify sounds that enter the ear canal, bone-anchored hearing devices bypass the ear canal and middle ear, similar to how cochlear and auditory brainstem implants work.
A bone-anchored hearing device consists of:
- An internal implant placed under the skin during surgery
- An external sound processor worn on the head
The device sends sound vibrations through the external abutment to the titanium implant, which eventually integrates with the skull bone.
Who Should Receive a Bone-Anchored Implant?
Your child might be a good candidate for a bone-anchored hearing device if:
- They have single-sided deafness.
- They have malformations in the outer ear, middle ear or ear canal.
- They’re allergic to traditional hearing aids.
- They have Meniere’s disease.
- They experience chronic middle ear infections.
- There is cholesteatoma or growth of skin behind your child’s eardrum.
- An acoustic neuroma or a benign tumor develops on your child’s vestibular or auditory nerves.
Can Children Use Bone-Anchored Hearing Devices?
If your child has conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss or single-sided deafness, a bone-anchored implant might be a good fit for them. For younger children and those who would prefer a nonsurgical option, certain sound processors can be held in place with a band or sticker. Our provider will work with you to determine what might work best for your child.
What Are the Benefits of a Bone-Anchored Hearing Device?
- Because the device is directly against the bone, sound quality is often superior.
- For those who have ears that are absent or formed differently, it can be difficult to comfortably wear a conventional hearing aid.
- Though they require surgery, the process is minimally invasive.
How Will My Child Get a Bone-Anchored Implant?
Receiving a bone-anchored hearing device requires surgery, but it’s an outpatient procedure. Our provider will insert a small titanium implant into the mastoid bone behind the ear. The abutment will stick out through the skin to allow your child to attach the external microphone and sound processor.
Following the surgery, your child’s skull and skin must heal before the device’s external elements can be clipped on. This typically takes between three weeks and three months.
Once you’ve healed from the surgery, the sound processor and microphone can be programmed for your child’s specific hearing needs. We’ll customize the device, so it works best for your child individually.
Our Team Is In Your Corner
At ENT for Children, we’re here to guide your family through your child’s journey of getting hearing loss treatment. Whether you’re ready to move forward with a bone-anchored hearing device or have more questions, we’re here to support you. We want your child to connect with as many sounds as possible.
Call ENT for Children for more information or to schedule an appointment.