Single-sided deafness, a condition in which a person has profound hearing loss in one ear and normal hearing sensitivity in another ear, is more common and bothersome than many people realize, according to Dr. Megan Johnson of Johnson Audiology.
Approximately 55,000 new cases are identified each year in the United States alone.
Though the precise origin of SSD is not always identified, it may be caused by viral infections, a sudden and prolonged decrease in blood pressure, Meniere's disease (an inner ear disorder which causes spinning), a stroke within the inner ear, genetic defects, vascular diseases, physical trauma to head or ear, autoimmune diseases and surgical removal of tumors within the lower brainstem.
Various struggles associated with this condition exist that are not readily acknowledged or understood by the general public.
Dr. Courtney Guthrie of Johnson Audiology said that though a person with SSD hears normally with one ear, dynamic environments can provide unique challenges. The Johnson Audiology team explained how the auditory system is structured to receive information from both the right and left ears to provide specific cues to the central auditory cortex of the brain for appropriate sound processing. When only one ear is capable of providing auditory stimulation to the brain, sound localization and hearing in background noise are negatively affected.
For people suffering from SSD, the most common complaint is difficulty understanding conversations in group gatherings or restaurants.
"A person with SSD experiences extreme difficulty separating noise from the speech they want to hear, which makes social engagements intimidating, stressful and simply exhausting," said Dr. Lara Ford of Johnson Audiology.
People with SSD are not able to easily locate sounds in their environments.
"Identifying the location of traffic sounds or a loved one calling your attention, for example, can be a daunting task, not to mention a safety hazard," said Dr. Susan Porter of Johnson Audiology.
Commonly this condition is not addressed because of a lack of awareness of the condition and available treatment options by some practitioners and the general public.
"Unfortunately, people suffer unnecessary reductions in quality of life from this condition when excellent intervention options are available," said Dr. Lydia Dudney of Johnson Audiology.
In the past, people with SSD were left untreated and informed their hearing was adequate based on the presence of one normal ear.
More Information
To consult with an audiologist about single-sided deafness, hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears), contact Johnson Audiology at 423-933-3623 to schedule a consultation.
"At Johnson Audiology, we understand the significant social and psychological impacts when SSD is not treated appropriately," said Dr. Anna Wade of Johnson Audiology.
The Johnson audiologists explained that people with SSD are presented with a unique impairment that requires lifestyle changes to better cope with routine occupational and recreational settings and ensure their safety.
Several types of hearing devices are currently used to alleviate the effects of SSD. Depending on one's acoustical needs, personal desires and medical health, one option may be more appropriate than another. People should discuss these options with their audiologist.
1. Contralateral Routing Of Signals hearing aid - With a CROS aid, a person wears a device on the poorer ear that transmits sound signals from that side wirelessly to an instrument on the better ear. If a person has some hearing loss in their better ear as well, a BiCROS device can address their acoustic needs for both ears.
2. Bone conduction hearing aid - With a bone-conduction hearing instrument, a bone vibrator is held on the mastoid bone behind the poorer ear by a soft or rigid headband. The aid detects sounds and transmits the information through micro-vibrations of the skull to the better ear. Brands include the Cochlear Baha and Oticon Ponto.
3. Bone-anchored hearing aid - A bone-anchored hearing instrument acts similarly to the bone conduction hearing aid. It requires the surgical placement of a magnet or titanium screw within the mastoid bone behind the poorer ear. The hearing aid is then attached to the screw or magnet following surgical recovery for optimal sound transmission via vibrations of the skull to the better ear. Brands include Cochlear Baha, Oticon Ponto and Medtronic Sophono.
One of the goals at Johnson Audiology is to educate the public on issues that are not widely recognized.
"There are many people suffering from this condition who are simply unaware of the available treatment options that could improve their communication in various environments, improve their safety and increase their quality of life," said Johnson.