This is a hearing aid that indirectly activates the inner ear by transmitting sound vibrations through the skull bone. A bone conduction implant has two main components: an external hearing aid and in internally placed implant.

The hearing aid sits behind the ear, held in place by magnetic attraction to the internal implant. The external component can be easily removed when required, just like any hearing aid. When removed there are no visible signs of an internal component.

The hearing aid is programmed by an audiologist to analyse and selectively amplify sounds that are not being heard well by that specific patient.

This sound information is conveyed to the internal implant through electromagnetic induction.

The internal component has a vibrating transducer that, when activated, causes sound vibrations to be transmitted to the skull segment close to the inner ear – causing inner ear activation and resulting in sound being heard.

A bone conduction implant is useful in those with conductive hearing loss since it bypasses the outer and middle ears, stimulating the inner ear indirectly. Since it indirectly activates the inner ear, it still requires reasonable inner ear function.

If inner ear function is poor in one ear only (ear laterality), a bone conduction implant is still a good option. But in these situations the sound vibrations are being transmitted through the skull bone to the good ear, which is recruited to act as an entry of sound information from both sides of the head.

Currently there are two manufacturers: Med-El who make the Bonebridge and Cochlear who make the BAHA Attract.

The Cochlear BAHA Attract has vibration generating motor sitting on the skin and energy has to go through the scalp before it gets to the skull bone, meaning less sound gets through to the inner ear.

The Bonebridge has the vibration generating motor beneath the skin meaning that more energy can be delivered to the inner ear.

Each implant has different rules regarding scanning and it is important to take your implant registration card to the scanning department. Strict manufacturer instructions must be followed by the scanning department to ensure safety.

Generally, MRI scans (up to 1.5 Tesla strength) are compatible will Bonebridge and BAHA Attract implants.

If you opt for the Med-El Bonebridge - yes. It is completely waterproof, so you can hear whilst swimming.

Whilst the processor part of the Cochlear BAHA Attract is not waterproof, once removed there are no issues with swimming.