How One-Sided Hearing Loss Affects Daily Life
What Is Unilateral Hearing Loss?
Unilateral hearing loss refers to impaired hearing in one ear. In some cases, a profound type of hearing loss in one ear may also be called single-sided deafness.
While unilateral hearing loss may often be viewed as minimal hearing loss - after all, you can still hear in your other ear, right? - hearing loss in one ear can have quite an impact on your daily routine.
If you believe you are living with hearing loss but aren’t quite sure where to start, a hearing screening can be a great first step. However, if your hearing loss has come on suddenly, be sure to contact your doctor. Sudden hearing loss may indicate a more severe condition and should be treated immediately.
Causes of One Sided Hearing Loss
What Causes Unilateral Hearing Loss?
Ear infections
Earwax blockage
Exposure to loud noise
Sudden hearing loss
Head or ear injury
Medical conditions affecting the ear or hearing system
The cause of hearing loss can vary depending on whether hearing loss develops gradually or happens suddenly.
For some people, hearing loss in one ear may result from a buildup of earwax or an infection. In other cases, it may be linked to long-term noise exposure, injury, age-related changes, or medical conditions that affect hearing.
Sudden hearing loss in one ear should never be ignored. If your hearing changes quickly or unexpectedly, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early screening can help identify the cause and support the best possible outcome.
Signs of One Ear Hearing Problem
Common Signs and Symptoms of Unilateral Hearing Loss
Unilateral hearing loss affects the ability to perceive sound direction and location because it interferes with the way the brain processes auditory information from the two ears. This type of hearing loss can cause difficulty in distinguishing sounds in noisy environments and reduce overall hearing efficiency.
The most common signs and symptoms of unilateral hearing loss include:
- Difficulty hearing in one ear
An individual may have trouble hearing sounds coming from one side, such as someone speaking on their affected side, and will often ask for others to talk in their “good” ear. With this single-sided deafness, they may also have difficulty determining where sounds are coming from.
- Tinnitus
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is often a sign of unilateral hearing loss and is most commonly experienced in the affected ear.
- Dizziness or balance problems
One of the common symptoms of unilateral hearing loss is a disturbance in the sense of balance. This can result in feelings of dizziness or unsteadiness, making it difficult to maintain balance or walk straight. This happens because our ears play an important role in helping us maintain our balance.
It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, as early detection and treatment can greatly improve hearing outcomes. Your doctor may refer you to a Hearing Care Professional for a hearing screening and other diagnostic tests to determine the cause and severity of your hearing loss.
Prevention of Unilateral Hearing Loss
How to Prevent Hearing Problem in One Ear
There is no magic formula to prevent unilateral hearing loss, but there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Protect your ears from loud noises
Loud noises, such as concerts, loud music, and industrial or construction noise, can damage your hearing over time. To reduce your risk, it's important to limit exposure to loud noises and wear protective gear, such as earplugs, when necessary.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Good health practices, such as not smoking, avoiding certain medications that are known to damage hearing, and managing conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, can help protect your hearing.
- Seek prompt medical care for ear infections or ear inflammation
Untreated ear infections can sometimes lead to sudden unilateral hearing loss. Getting medical care quickly lowers the risk of permanent hearing damage.
- Get regular hearing check-ups
Regular hearing screenings can detect any hearing loss early on, allowing for prompt treatment and reducing the risk of further damage. We recommend scheduling a hearing screening with a Hearing Care Professional to ensure your ears are in good health.
How to Treat Hearing Loss in One Ear
Treatment for Unilateral Hearing Loss
The specific cause of your unilateral hearing loss will determine the best treatment option. In the case of wax buildup, the wax can be removed to address the associated hearing concerns, or your Hearing Care Professional can remove the wax at a hearing care center near you.
Other causes, including viral or bacterial infections, may be treated with antivirals, antibiotics or steroids. However no matter the cause, it is important to treat your hearing loss for better hearing wellness and lifestyle outcomes.
Hearing Aids for Unilateral Hearing Loss
Sometimes, unilateral hearing loss may be permanent. If this happens, your Hearing Care Professional can help you explore options to improve communication, everyday hearing, and your long-term hearing health.
For many people, hearing aids designed for unilateral hearing loss can make a meaningful difference. Depending on your hearing needs, your Hearing Care Professional can recommend solutions such as:
CROS Hearing Aids
Designed for people with little to no hearing in one ear, the CROS (Contralateral Routing of Signals) hearing aids pick up sound from the weaker side and send it to the stronger ear.Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
These devices use vibrations to send sound directly to the inner ear, bypassing parts of the hearing system that may not be working properly.
Unilateral Hearing Loss Audiogram
Understanding Your Hearing Screening Results
An audiogram is a visual representation of a person's hearing ability. It shows the quietest sounds someone can hear at different frequencies (pitches), helping Hearing Care Professionals understand hearing levels in each ear.
With unilateral hearing loss, one ear may hear sounds normally while the other has more difficulty hearing certain sounds or pitches. This difference between ears is often visible on an audiogram, where one ear may show hearing within a typical range while the other indicates hearing loss. Understanding this difference helps identify the type of hearing loss and guide the most appropriate treatment options.
The audiogram below demonstrates what unilateral hearing loss can look like. The left ear, indicated by the blue line with an X, shows hearing within a typical range, while the right ear, indicated by the red line with an O, shows hearing loss in the higher frequencies.
Unilateral hearing loss: FAQ
What causes hearing loss in one ear?
How common is unilateral hearing loss?
How do you know if you have hearing loss in one ear?
Is unilateral hearing loss a disability?
Can hearing loss in one ear be fixed?
Does unilateral hearing loss get worse over time?
Can you get a hearing aid for just one ear?
What is the cost of one hearing aid?
Types of hearing loss
Learn more about hearing loss
