Hearing Loss in a Single Ear

Unilateral hearing loss also known as hearing loss in a single ear can come on suddenly or occur over time. It can be a temporary loss due to ear wax build-up, infections, or exposure to a thunderous boom. In many cases Single-Ear hearing loss is permanent, however, with the right diagnosis, it can be treated by getting a diagnosis from your audiologist.

Temporary Hearing Loss Types

Earwax build-up

The ear is designed to be a self-cleaning system and to protect itself from foreign objects like dust and debris.  The skin membranes in the ear create the ear was and from time to time will push it up out of the ear as a cleaning method and it either washes or falls out on its own. Sometimes ear wax builds up because people try to clean their ears using q-tips or other tools. This can result in pushing the wax deeper into the ear.  

A hearing specialist can safely remove the earwax without damaging the ear through an ear flush kit or a curet, a small curved instrument.  With ear wax safely removed, your hearing can be restored.

Ear Infections

Bacterial or viral infections in the ear may cause temporary hearing loss.  Fluid will build up in your ear canal from the infection and can result in some hearing loss, and in most cases hearing loss is temporary.  In cases where severe pain is involved, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the infection.

Ruptured Eardrum

Infections, extremely loud noises, explosions, or too much pressure from flights can cause a ruptured ear drum.  If you think you have an infection, it’s important to get prompt treatment to reduce the possibility of long-term hearing loss.  Placing objects like cotton tips can cause additional problems. It is best to avoid inserting anything in your ear.

Meniere’s Disease can lead to hearing loss in one ear. It is a disorder in which you experience dizziness, tinnitus,  or a feeling of fullness in your ear.   When experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your audiologist immediately to decrease the signs and long-term effects.

Abnormal Bone Growth In the Ear

Hearing loss, in very rare cases, can be caused by abnormal bone growth in the ear. This is called otosclerosis and can worsen over time. They may affect one or both ears. Your audiologist may recommend hearing aids or having surgery to remove the excess bone.

In cases where unilateral hearing loss is permanent, a hearing aid, cochlear implant, or other assistive listening devices can be prescribed by your audiologist. They will provide you with assessments to determine the cause of the hearing loss and how much.

Single-Sided Hearing Loss Challenges

Experiencing Unilateral hearing can be a challenge. It is often difficult to understand what others say, especially in loud environments. You may be challenged with an inability to understand the direction of the sound. Experiencing fatigue is normal as it takes much more effort to listen with one ear rather than two. You have to concentrate much harder to understand. It’s problematic to use headphones and talk on the phone with single-sided hearing.

How do I cope with Single Sided Hearing?

• Tell people that you have single-sided hearing loss and have difficulty hearing on the left or right side of your head to ensure they understand to speak on the hearing side of your head.   Although this may feel awkward initially, letting others know can help ease the situation and educates others on how to best help you enjoy the conversation.

• Choose a quiet environment. The brain relies on hearing from both sides. The louder the environment, the more your brain works to process hearing on one side. A quiet environment will help reduce your brain working to filter unnecessary noise.

• Sit in areas of high lighting to read lips and facial expressions for improved conversations. Make sure the light is on them not behind you,  you can clearly see their face.

• Use verbal cues to help you understand the conversation.  Cup your hand behind your ear. Try to fill in the blanks. Take a moment to let the information process. 

• See your hearing specialist to discuss your hearing options.

Talk to your doctor about hearing loss treatment options.

If you are experiencing single-sided hearing loss, visit your audiologist for a comprehensive hearing test. They will provide you with a diagnosis and explain treatment options depending on the type and severity of your hearing loss.

They will be able to determine if there is hearing left in your affected year and can prescribe a hearing aid that works for you and your lifestyle.  If you are unable to hear from your ear, they will be able to determine the best type of specialty hearing device for you. At  Hearing Associates of Las Vegas, we are a caring, family-owned practice that cares about bringing you a better quality of life through better hearing. Our specialists will take you through each to ensure that you are provided expert treatment and care.