Understanding a Unilateral Hearing Loss

A significant hearing loss in one ear has two main consequences: difficulty localising where sound is coming from, and problems hearing in background noise.

If the hearing loss in the poorer ear has occurred gradually it may not even be particularly noticeable, because the good ear will automatically take over. Sometimes, however, a unilateral hearing loss can occur suddenly and cause initial disorientation. Over time, the person usually adapts to this quite well.

The inability to detect where a sound is coming from causes difficulties at times such as driving, crossing busy roads, group discussions and team sports. It can be very difficult for children with a unilateral hearing loss in the classroom.

People with a unilateral hearing loss will have more difficulty hearing in background noise. If speech is coming from the side of the bad ear, the listener is at a disadvantage, more so if background noise is on the good side. Of course, the head can be turned to help correct this, but this is not always possible.

There are tactics you can employ to help such as considering seating arrangements to avoid speech being directed to the bad ear. This helps in restaurants, meetings and in classrooms. One of the best solutions is to remove or minimise background noise.  When having a conversation, turn down the TV, or in groups, find a quiet corner or room. Sit away from noise sources such as doorways, or simply choose a quiet restaurant not a noisy one!

Relying on the hearing in one ear means that it is most important to take care of it. Regular hearing tests should be carried out, particularly if there is any concern about changes in it. Avoid excessive noise, which may damage the hearing in the good ear. Also, it is sensible to avoid risk sports, such as Scuba diving, which can damage the ear as a result of pressure changes.

Of course, talk to your audiologist. A hearing aid on the bad side may balance out the hearing and solve the dilemma. If the hearing on the bad side is not suitable for a hearing aid you may need one for the better side if there is some degree of loss here too. There is also another type of hearing aid that is worn on both ears and feeds sound collected on the bad side into the good ear.

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