What is Single Sided Hearing Loss?

When hearing is lost in one ear, the symptoms can be life-changing. Unilateral hearing loss, or single-sided deafness (SSD), affects an estimated 60,000 new individuals each year in the United States alone. Here, we delve into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this unique form of hearing impairment.

Causes

Unilateral hearing loss (UHL) is characterized by normal hearing in one ear and loss of hearing in the other. The severity of the loss varies, ranging from mild to severe, and can affect both adults and children. Approximately 1 out of every 1,000 children is born with UHL, while almost 3 percent of school-age children experience this condition. Causes of single-sided hearing loss include viral infections, Meniere's disease, ear or head injuries, brain trauma, surgical interventions, genetic factors, and ear abnormalities.

Symptoms

Symptoms of unilateral hearing loss depend on its severity. Reduced hearing in one ear can make it challenging to locate the direction of sounds, navigate traffic, or engage in group conversations. Difficulty with sound localization also hampers speech comprehension in noisy environments, leading to frustration and isolation. Lack of awareness about UHL often results in untreated individuals struggling in various social settings.

Hearing Solutions for Single-Sided Hearing Loss

Assistive hearing technology offers relief for individuals with unilateral hearing loss. Several options exist, tailored to different degrees of hearing impairment:

1. CROS Hearing Aid: Contralateral Routing of Signal (CROS) enables the 'good' ear to hear for both ears. It consists of microphones detecting sounds and transmitting them wirelessly to a hearing aid worn in the 'good' ear. The hearing aid amplifies these sounds, aiding individuals with profound deafness in one ear.
2. Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA): This device transmits sound through bone conduction to the inner ear. Surgery is required for implant placement, but the external hearing aid is removable for convenience.
3. Cochlear Implant: Comprising a behind-the-ear sound processor and an implant surgically placed under the skin, cochlear implants convert sound waves into electrical impulses, stimulating the hearing nerve for improved auditory perception.

Visit Us at Hearing Consultants

At Hearing Consultants, we offer tailored solutions for unilateral hearing loss. Contact our team to explore treatment options and regain your quality of life.