Bilateral bone conduction stimulation provides reliable binaural cues for localization.

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Neuroscience
• Bioacoustics

Background:

• Bone conduction hearing devices (BCDs) are used to treat conductive hearing loss.
• Limited understanding exists regarding BCDs' effectiveness in restoring binaural hearing cues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate binaural hearing abilities using bone conduction stimulation in simulated conductive hearing loss.
• To assess the capacity of BCDs to restore binaural cues in individuals with conductive hearing loss.

Main Methods:

• Normal-hearing listeners underwent unilateral and bilateral earplugging to simulate conductive hearing loss.
• Localization ability was evaluated using an adhesive, non-surgical bone conduction device (BCD) attached to the mastoid.
• Hearing thresholds were compared between aided and non-aided conditions.

Main Results:

• Unilateral BCD application in simulated unilateral conductive hearing loss failed to restore binaural cues, indicated by poor localization.
• Bilateral BCD application in simulated bilateral conductive hearing loss provided access to binaural cues.
• Unilateral BCD use in simulated bilateral conductive hearing loss disrupted binaural cues and impaired localization.
• Transcutaneous BCD stimulation led to decreased sound access and asymmetric hearing thresholds.
• Symmetrical hearing thresholds improved localization, whereas asymmetric thresholds disrupted it.

Conclusions:

• BCDs do not restore binaural cue access in simulated unilateral conductive hearing loss.
• Bilateral BCD use can provide binaural cue access in simulated bilateral conductive hearing loss.
• Hearing symmetry is crucial for effective sound localization with BCDs.