Unilateral hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that only affects one ear. It can be disorienting and potentially isolating. This type of hearing loss isn’t always permanent and there are lots of treatment options alongside a variety of ways to manage unilateral hearing loss. Read on to learn more about it.
Unlike bilateral hearing loss which affects both ears, unilateral hearing loss only affects one. It occurs when you experience partial or total hearing loss in that ear and can be caused by multiple things including blockage, infection, inflammation, and damage to the cochlear nerve.
From physical blockages to infections and head trauma to inherited disorders, there are multiple causes for unilateral hearing loss. Some of these causes are temporary and can be treated while others can not and cause permanent damage.
Common hearing loss causes include:
Some less common causes can include tumors, sudden idiopathic hearing loss (a rapid and unexplained loss of hearing in one ear), and congenital conditions that appear from birth.
Because it only affects one year, unilateral hearing loss can be more obvious to notice once it develops than bilateral hearing loss. The specific symptoms of hearing loss you experience may differ from person to person but the most common symptoms include:
There are some steps you can take to help prevent certain types of unilateral hearing loss. However, some cases, such as congenital hearing loss can’t be prevented and will require lifelong management instead.
If you suspect you have unilateral hearing loss (or any other kind of hearing loss) should always be seen by a qualified audiologist for diagnosis for a comprehensive hearing assessment. Your audiologist will perform multiple tests to work out the severity of your hearing loss as well as your range of functional hearing and be able to suggest suitable treatment or management options.
Children will receive a screening at birth but you can also take them to be tested at the pediatrician’s office to detect any potential hearing issues including unilateral hearing loss. This should then be confirmed with further testing by an audiologist.
The treatment and management options you are offered will depend on the severity of your unilateral healing as well as the impact it has on your daily life. Sometimes, temporary hearing loss can be treated and will restore hearing back in that ear. Other times, the hearing loss is permanent and will require management.
Any sudden hearing loss not associated with earwax buildup needs immediate medical attention to help preserve as much hearing level as possible. If you suffer from sudden hearing loss, please contact NHS 111 or head to your nearest A&E.
Unilateral hearing loss is managed using the following tools:
You should always see someone if you have any concerns about your hearing, especially if it’s sudden (not related to ear wax buildup) or accompanied by pain or any head trauma. Your unilateral hearing loss may get worse over time so if you notice any changes in your hearing, including your good ear, make sure you visit your audiologist and book in regular hearing tests – early diagnosis and prompt treatment is important.
While you can live healthily and happily with unilateral hearing loss, it’s important to recognise the signs and treat it as early as possible. You may be able to regain the hearing back in that ear if the hearing loss is related to ear infections or a blockage of some kind. And if it’s permanent, receiving the right treatment and care can help you regain your quality of life. Book your free hearing test at your local The Hearing Care Practice today.