ADHEAR
ADHEAR Bone Conduction Hearing Aid Technology
At our clinic we see patients who are suitable for conventional receiver-in-ear (RIC), behind-the-ear(BTE) and custom (in canal) hearing aid technologies. At times, we encounter more complex audiological cases, where patients may be contra-indicated for conventional hearing aid technology.
These cases may include children and adults with a conductive hearing loss and single-sided deafness. Conductive hearing loss may be due to changes to ear anatomy, namely: atresia (absent ear), microtia (small ear) or chronic middle ear fluid making the fitting of conventional hearing aids impossible.
What is the solution?
For suitable candidates, ADHEAR is a revolutionary non-surgical bone conduction system, placed on the skin behind the ear. Traditional hearing aids amplify sound, whereas ADHEAR uses bone conduction to send sound through the skull bones to the inner ear. Please see https://www.medel.com/en-gb/hearing-solutions/bone-conduction-system
This is the same principle used in readily available soft headband bone conduction hearing aids(non-surgical option) and ‘’BAHD’’ bone anchored hearing devices (requiring surgery).
Is ADHEAR different from a cochlear implant?
ADHEAR is for users with conductive hearing loss. A cochlear implant is suitable for people with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss and is surgically implanted , using electrical signals to stimulate the cochlea (inner ear).
The ADHEAR system consists of a bone conduction audio processor that is kept in place on the head with the ADHEAR adhesive adapter. ADHEAR is battery operated, using a size 13 zinc-air battery, lasting 1 to 2 weeks. ADHEAR has a tamper-proof battery door making this technology safe to use for young children and those with special needs.
The adhesive adapter looks like a small beige or brown ‘plaster’ positioned behind the ear and can usually be worn day and night and should be changed once or twice a week.
ADHEAR is available in three colours: namely Dove Silver, Terra Brown and Simply Black. For children, plastic sleeves and a range of colourful stickers are available to customise ADHEAR.
Midland Hearing Care’s ADHEAR bone conduction hearing technology service
5-star service
‘I visited Midland Hearing recently with my son (3) to see if he was eligible for Adhear, a non surgical bone conduction device that is now being offered by Jenevieve and her team. Since birth, my son has had limited hearing in his right ear, which has hindered some areas of his speech. From the moment we walked in to the practice and we were greeted by Claire, we were immediately put at ease. Claire made a special effort to speak to my son at his height level and talk to him about the toys he brought with him.
When we went into the consultation room we met with Jenevieve and Megan, they could not have been more welcoming and friendly. They answered every question I had and they provided colouring sheets to keep my son entertained. Megan was very good with him and kept him entertained for the duration of our appointment. When they checked his ears they were so kind and patient with him, this is a task that has caused him distress in the past but they completely put him at ease and made a game of the experience.
Thankfully he was a candidate for the ADHEAR and since getting it he has come on so much. His speech has improved and he has become so much more confident in himself. He is singing and chatting away like never before. I'm so thankful that Jenevieve and team brought this amazing device to us. After travelling to numerous parts of Ireland to help my son, it's fantastic that this outstanding service and life changing device were available on our doorstep.’
Andrea - parent of young child with conductive hearing loss
