Unilateral hearing loss is characterized as having some degree of reduction in the hearing of one ear while the other ear's hearing ability is within normal limits. The severity of this degree of hearing reduction can range anywhere from mild to profound. Unilateral hearing loss can occur at birth or develop gradually or suddenly later in life. This condition can affect people of all ages and genders.

Symptoms of Unilateral Hearing Loss

Since unilateral hearing loss can affect all people, from newborns to the elderly, there are many different signs and symptoms that can help an audiologist properly diagnose this condition. These symptoms include:

• Single-sided tinnitus
• Difficulty localizing sounds
• Repeatedly turning up the volume
• Feeling overly fatigued from listening
• Constantly asking others to repeat themselves
• Regularly favoring one ear over the other during phone conversations
• Trouble understanding conversations in noisy environments

What to Do if You Think You Have Unilateral Hearing Loss?

If you think that you're experiencing unilateral hearing loss, it's time to schedule a hearing test with a licensed audiologist. While this may seem like a scary situation, to begin with, it's best to speak with one of our specialists to help better understand your condition and what options are available to you for treatment. When you know whether or not you have unilateral hearing loss, you can be treated instead of just putting up with it for many years to come.

Prospective Treatments For Unilateral Hearing Loss

If you've been diagnosed with unilateral hearing loss, there are various management options that you can utilize. Probably the most common is a hearing aid. This device will work with mild to moderate unilateral hearing loss and can be specifically programmed to increase the loudness of incoming sounds to the ear that is having trouble hearing.

Contralateral Routing of Signal devices, known informally as CROS systems, is another great option to assist with unilateral hearing loss. With this system, you'll wear two different devices. One device will be placed on the ear with a reduced hearing current. This device contains a microphone that works to pick up the sounds coming from that side of your body. Those sounds are sent to the other CROS device positioned on the better ear. This allows the better ear to pick up sounds from both sides of the body.

Call Us Today

While unilateral hearing loss is not the diagnosis you may want to hear, seeking assistance is the best way to start a new life and help your hearing. Contact our hearing care specialists at Beltone Dallas Fort Worth to schedule a hearing test and learn about the various available options.