What is Single Sided Deafness?

Single Sided Deafness (SSD), or unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, refers to significant or total hearing loss in one ear . In most cases SSD is a permanent condition. However, where SSD is caused by sudden deafness and hearing loss is only partial, some individuals find that hearing may return, partially or fully, over a period of time.

What are the causes of Single Sided Deafness?

Single Sided Deafness (SSD) may be a result of a number of different conditions, each of which affects the ear differently. Causes include: Single Sided Deafness (SSD) may be a result of a number of different conditions, each of which affects the ear differently. Causes include:

• Sudden deafness – can occur at any time, often for unknown reasons
• Physical damage to the ear
• Pressure on the hearing nerve
• Inner ear problems including infections (viral or bacterial)
• Diseases such as measles, mumps, meningitis
• Tumours in the ear or brain
• Disorders of the circulatory system
• Severe Meniere's disease
• Trauma – e.g. head injury

Who can suffer from Single Sided Deafness?

Anyone can suffer from Single Sided Deafness (SSD). Some people are born with SSD, others can become Single Sided Deaf as a result of disease or environment. The most common group to be come affected by SSD, is people aged between 35-54 years old.

What are the symptoms of Single Sided Deafness and how does it affect people?

The symptoms of Single Sided Deafness (SSD) will vary from person to person. However, in addition to having no hearing on the deaf side, people usually have difficulty determining the direction of sound and many experience what is known as the head shadow effect - the total inability to hear sound from a particular direction. In addition, many people find it difficult to separate background noise from target sounds.

In some cases, SSD can make simple tasks very difficult - crossing a road, business meetings, meals at restaurants, family gatherings, cycling and jogging can all become problematic.

All of these symptoms can greatly affect day to day life. Many sufferers find interacting in social situations and group conversations difficult. As a result, some people with SSD find themselves feeling socially excluded and isolated - even to the point that they might stop going out.

Is Single Sided Deafness treatable?

There is no cure for permanent Single Sided Deafness (SSD). However, there are treatments available which can restore the sensation of hearing to the deaf side. This treatment is possible irrespective of the length of time a patient has suffered from SSD. There are two main treatment options available for SSD – the BAHA (a bone anchored hearing device) and the CROS aid (Contralateral Routing Of Signal).