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Loss of hearing in one ear is much more common than most people realize. The symptoms are very different from hearing loss experienced by people in both ears and for many sufferers, this type of hearing loss has a severe impact on work, home and social interactions.

According to the reports published in United Kingdom, thousands of people suffer from the condition known as Single Sided Deafness (SSD) and 9,000 new cases are added every year. While calling for more awareness of this common condition, the article points out that Single Sided Deafness can be successfully treated with hearing aids.

Symptoms

The symptoms of unilateral hearing loss vary. In addition to impaired hearing on one side, some people may have difficulty determining the direction of sounds. This can make it dangerous to cross a street or otherwise navigate in traffic. Others may be unable to hear sounds from a particular direction. The most common symptom is the inability to separate background noise from the sounds you want to hear.

What causes Single-Sided Deafness?

There are many possible causes for Single-Sided Deafness, including:

· Injury to the ear

· Exposure to loud noises or certain drugs

·  Blockage of the ear

· Tumor

· Illness

Hearing changes can be a natural outcome of aging. Some causes are reversible, like wax buildup in the ear canal or ear infections with fluid buildup. Some are irreversible, like those due to problems with the function of the ear itself. Hearing loss in one ear may also be the result of prescription medications like:

· Chemotherapy drugs

· Diuretics such as furosemide

· Salicylate (aspirin) toxicity

· Antibiotics such as streptomycin and tobramycin

How Single Sided Deafness is diagnosed?

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, about 10 to 15 percent of people who suffer from sudden hearing loss have an identifiable reason for their condition. It’s important to make an appointment with your doctor any time you experience hearing loss in one or both ears. Your doctor will review the symptoms and medical history and conduct a physical examination of your ears, nose, and throat.

Your doctor may also order a hearing test. During this test, your doctor or a hearing specialist will measure how you respond to a range of sounds and tones at various volume levels. These tests can help your doctor determine the part of the ear that is affected, which can provide clues as to the underlying cause of the hearing loss.

Treatment

Treatment options for your hearing loss will depend on the cause of your condition. In some cases, hearing loss is irreversible. Your hearing care professional may recommend a hearing aid to help improve your hearing if there is no other treatment for your hearing loss.

Other treatment options may include:

·  Surgery to repair the ear or remove a tumor

·  Antibiotics to treat infection

·  Steroids to reduce inflammation and swelling

·  Stopping use of the medication that may be causing the hearing loss

Hearing loss caused by wax buildup can be treated by gently removing the earwax. Never insert cotton swabs or any objects such as tweezers to remove a foreign body in your ears, as these objects can cause ear injury. If you are experiencing any additional symptoms like dizziness, facial weakness, imbalance or neurological symptoms, you should be evaluated by your hearing care specialist immediately.

To try it for yourself, call +1 306-445-5700 and schedule a consultation with a hearing professional today or click here.