Unilateral hearing loss is a condition in which one ear has a reduced ability to detect sounds. If the hearing loss in the affected ear is very severe, it is called single-sided deafness (SSD). A person suffering from SSD more or less only hears with one ear.
Some people may think SSD is a mild condition with little impact on a person's quality of life. However, studies have shown that hearing in just one ear can significantly impact an individual's daily life, affecting their ability to communicate and participate in various activities.here ...
The Effects of SSD on Hearing
We have two ears for a reason—the brain relies on both to pinpoint the location of a sound and improve hearing quality and range. That's why one-sided hearing loss can significantly affect a person's ability to detect sounds. Depending on the severity of the condition, these are the ways SSD can impact your hearing:
- You may have difficulty locating where a sound is coming from.
- You may have trouble detecting high-frequency sounds like "s" or "f," resulting in muffled hearing.
- You may struggle to focus on a single person's voice in a noisy environment because your brain can't filter noises properly.
- You may have difficulties gauging how loud a sound is.
- You may suffer from listening fatigue due to an increased cognitive load on your brain.
How can single-sided deafness impact a person's life?
Living with single-sided deafness can present substantial challenges since you can't hear speech properly or localize the source of a sound. This condition can make it difficult to engage in conversation or follow directions. Specifically, here are some of the ways having SSD can affect a person's life:
- Communicating in large groups or cars can be frustrating.
- Participating in social activities and maintaining meaningful connections with others can be challenging.
- Following lectures or meeting proceedings can be difficult, leading to lower performance in school or work.
- Simple tasks like crossing the street or jogging can be dangerous.
- Multi-tasking is a struggle.
Side effects of hearing loss leads to anxiety, frustration and depression due to loneliness.
What causes single-sided deafness?
The cause of single-sided deafness varies. It can be a result of any of the following:
- Genetic disorders
- Head trauma or injury
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Acoustic neuroma
- Severe Meniere's disease
- Tumors near the brain or ear
Can SSD be treated?
Fortunately, many treatments are available for managing single-sided deafness. Here are some of them:
- CROS hearing aid
- Bone-anchored hearing aid
- Cochlear implant
Consulting with a specialist will help determine the best treatment for your case. Individuals with SSD can lead full and active lives with proper support and treatment.
Managing your hearing loss will allow you to improve your ability to be social and understand the world around you again.
Consult With ENT Experts
Are you or a loved one experiencing difficulty hearing in one ear? A hearing test will identify if you have a hearing problem and determine the best action. Contact us at Queen City Eyes Nose Throat if you're looking for an ENT specialist to test your hearing. Located in both Monroe and Charlotte, North Carolina.