If you’re experiencing difficulty hearing in one ear, you may have one-sided hearing loss. Also known as single-sided deafness (SSD) or unilateral hearing loss (UHL), it is not a common type of hearing loss.
Most individuals who have a hearing loss experience a hearing loss in both ears, although the hearing loss may be slightly worse in one ear than another.
What Causes One-Sided Hearing Loss?
One-sided hearing loss generally occurs instantly, most commonly the result of a specific incident. Some of the more common causes are:
- Injury to your ear
- Blockage in your ear
- Illness
- An ear tumor
- A reaction to medication
What are the Symptoms of One-Sided Hearing Loss?
The loss of hearing in one ear is the most common symptom of one-sided hearing loss. Other common symptoms include:
- An inability or difficulty hearing conversation on the side of the ear that’s been affected.
- Difficulty understanding conversations or speech in places with background noise
- Difficulty determining where a sound or speech originates from
- Greater difficulty concentrating in large or open environments
- Difficulty communicating socially
How is One-Sided Hearing Loss Treated?
One-sided hearing loss may be treatable, but it’s important to seek treatment as early as possible. If you suspect that you may be experiencing one-sided hearing loss, please book in to see a hearing care professional today. Your chances of recovery improve with early treatment and diagnosis. Common treatment options for one-sided hearing loss include:
- Steroid medication
- Antibiotics
- Surgery
- Hearing devices for the affected ear
Contact Us Today & Get Your Hearing Checked!
Early detection and intervention with one-sided hearing loss gives you the best chance of recovery. To book an appointment, call Regional Hearing and Balance Center at 208-497-3596 or click here to book a complimentary hearing assessment.
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