Most people are familiar with age-related hearing loss, where you gradually lose your hearing over time. However, there are many different types of hearing loss that people may experience. Some people may have trouble hearing in just one ear, while others may have trouble hearing in both.

Why Do Some People Require One Hearing Aid Instead of Two?

You may notice that some people only wear one hearing aid instead of two. This is because they're experiencing unilateral hearing loss. This specific type of hearing loss, also called single-sided deafness, can occur gradually over time or suddenly. There are several different causes of unilateral hearing loss, which include the following:

• Meniere's Disease
• Inherited Diseases
• Circulatory System Disorders
• Physical Damage to the Ear and Head Trauma
• Bacterial or Viral Infections
• Acoustic Neuroma

In cases of sudden hearing loss in one ear, the condition may be fully treatable. Seeking medical attention right away is an absolute necessity.

How Does Unilateral Hearing Loss Affect the Entire Body?

While unilateral hearing loss will drastically affect one's ability to hear out of the affected ear, the problems don't stop there. When someone experiences unilateral hearing loss, they will find it challenging to locate the source of sounds they hear. This could eventually result in a problem with their body's balance and coordination.

Those experiencing this unique type of hearing loss will become disoriented when in crowds and find it challenging to determine which noises to listen to. When it comes to high-pitched noises, those experiencing hearing loss in one ear may not hear them. This is known as the head shadow effect, where high-frequency sounds won't bend around the non-functional side of the head to reach the functional side. Essentially, they will only hear high-pitched noises if their functional ear faces the exact direction from which the noise is coming.

Why is Getting Help for Unilateral Hearing Loss Important?

When you first notice that you're struggling with hearing loss in one of your ears, it's time to seek assistance from a licensed and knowledgeable audiologist. They will be able to determine which sounds you're struggling with and recommend the best hearing aid to meet your needs.

You'll want to seek help sooner rather than later as your auditory system works as a use-it or lose-it system. If you continue to struggle with one-sided hearing loss without seeking medical assistance, your brain will deteriorate your hearing on that side of your body even more. The sooner you seek treatment, the better chance you have at enhancing your hearing.

Call Us Today

If you're experiencing hearing problems, contact us at Beltone Dallas Fort Worth. Let our helpful hearing care professionals assist you with your hearing-related needs.

Resources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/one-hearing-aid-or-two