Hearing Aid Alternatives: From Assistive Devices to Implants

Why Hearing Aids Aren’t Always the Right Fit

Hearing aids are often the first solution we think of for hearing loss. That’s no surprise: in the US, around 7 percent of adults aged 45 and over use a hearing aid.[1] Hearing aids are a common, non-invasive, and readily available solution for people with hearing loss.

But they also have some limitations. For one thing, hearing aids are often not effective for people with moderate-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. Conductive or mixed hearing loss also poses a challenge for traditional hearing aids.

Some people also find hearing aids uncomfortable to wear. Others are put off by the look of hearing aids or worry that they draw attention to their hearing loss.

But good news: Hearing aids aren’t the only hearing solution out there—far from it! Cochlear implants, bone conduction devices, and assistive listening devices are all possible hearing aid alternatives. The best option for you will depend on the type and severity of your hearing loss.

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)

Unlike hearing aids, which are designed to be worn all day, assistive listening devices help people hear better in specific situations like classrooms or movie theaters.

Common assistive listening devices include:

• Induction loops: These are used in public spaces like theaters and airports. They transmit sound via a magnetic field to a compatible device.
• Infrared systems, which use light waves to send sound from a transmitter to a receiver. These can be used with TVs as well as in indoor public spaces.
• FM systems use radio signals to send sound from a microphone to a receiver. This can be especially helpful in classrooms and lecture halls.
• Personal amplification systems: These are small, easy-to-carry devices with microphones and earphones that amplify sound.

Most of these assistive listening devices can also be used with hearing aids and cochlear implants to help enhance hearing in difficult listening environments.

Although assistive listening devices can be useful for people with mild hearing loss, it’s important to remember that they are not a replacement for hearing aids. It’s always best to talk to your doctor or audiologist to see which hearing solution might be best for you.

Bone Conduction Devices

Hearing aids amplify sound. But what if sounds can’t reach your inner ear because of a middle ear infection or earwax buildup? For conductive hearing loss, which occurs when sound cannot efficiently travel through the outer ear or middle ear, the hearing loss is often treatable and not permanent. In case of permanent conductive hearing loss, traditional hearing aids aren’t always the best option. But bone conduction devices might be the answer. These include:

• Bone conduction hearing aids like ADHEAR
• Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHAs)
• Bone conduction implants, such as BONEBRIDGE

All of these follow the same principle: They use bone conduction to bypass the outer and middle ear, sending sound directly to your inner ear. An external device captures sound and then turns it into vibrations that are transmitted through the skull.

Bone conduction devices are also an option for people with single-sided deafness (unilateral hearing loss). They pick up sound on the deaf side and send it to the hearing ear.

Cochlear Implants

Sometimes hearing aids just aren’t strong enough. This is because they simply amplify sounds. But the worse your inner ear function is, the less effective this will be.

Cochlear implants use a different technology. Instead of amplifying sounds, they use electrical stimulation to bypass damaged parts of the inner ear.

Cochlear implants are often considered a better solution than hearing aids for people with severe-to-profound hearing loss. Some signs you might be ready for cochlear implants include:

• Struggling to hear conversations, especially in noisy environments
• Asking people to repeat themselves
• Misunderstanding what people say
• Struggling to hear on the phone
• Turning the TV volume up

Hearing Aid Alternatives: Finding the Right Solution

If you’re looking for alternatives to hearing aids, your first step is to talk to your doctor or audiologist. They’ll be able to assess your type and severity of hearing loss and recommend the best solution for your individual situation.

If you have mild hearing loss, a personal sound amplification product or assistive listening device might be suitable. Or for conductive hearing loss, a bone conduction hearing aid might be a better option. If your hearing loss is more severe, you could be a candidate for a hearing implant.

Your hearing professional will also take a look at your age, lifestyle and personal preferences. Early adopters might consider upcoming assistive technology, such as AirPods, while older adults will need to consider their dexterity and cognitive ability.

Hearing Solutions for Everyone

Whether you’re struggling to hear well with your current hearing aids, or simply don’t think that hearing aids are right for you, there are other options out there.

Talk to your doctor or hearing professional to determine what the best alternative to hearing aids could be for you. If you have trouble hearing with background noise or during phone calls even with well-fitted hearing aids, consider asking them about hearing implants. These can restore sound to people who no longer benefit from conventional hearing aids.