Beverly Hills Hearing Center was founded in 1983 by Bonnie Baehr. Prior to that, Dr. Baehr practiced at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles as a staff audiologist for seven years. She was involved with diagnostic testing, hearing aid evaluations, research and rehabilitation. Dr. Baehr did her clinical fellowship training at the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in downtown Los Angeles. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, American Speech Language and Hearing Association, California Academy of Audiology and Academy of Doctors of Audiology.
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Single-Sided Deafness (SSD), also known as unilateral hearing loss, is more common than you might think. It’s characterized by significant or total hearing loss in one ear, and SSD can dramatically impact spatial awareness, speech understanding, and much more. Fortunately, advancements in hearing healthcare and technology offer various treatments and strategies to treat unilateral hearing loss and manage the effects of SSD.
Understanding Single-Sided Deafness
Single-sided deafness impacts one ear far more than the other. But beyond the difficulty in hearing from one side, individuals with SSD often face challenges in distinguishing background noise from primary sound sources, understanding conversations in crowded places, and experiencing increased fatigue from straining to hear.
Treatment Options for SSD
There are a few treatment options available for those with SSD:
1. Contralateral Routing of Signal (CROS) Hearing Aids
CROS hearing aids are designed specifically for individuals with SSD. They consist of a microphone placed on the deaf side to pick up sound and wirelessly transmit it to the better-hearing ear. This technology helps in perceiving sounds from the impaired side. It improves sound localization, overall auditory awareness, and speech understanding.
2. Bone-Anchored Hearing Systems (BAHS)
BAHS, or bone conduction devices, offer an alternative for those who might not benefit from traditional hearing aids. These devices work by directly stimulating the cochlea of the functioning ear through bone vibration, bypassing the outer and middle ear altogether. BAHS are particularly effective for individuals with SSD who cannot use CROS due to allergies, ear infections, or other concerns.
3. Cochlear Implants
For profound unilateral hearing loss where other treatments might not be as effective, cochlear implants present a viable option. A cochlear implant in the deaf ear can restore a level of binaural hearing, improving the ability to localize sound and understand speech in noise. This option requires a surgical procedure and is typically considered when the potential benefits outweigh the invasiveness of surgery.
Enhancing Communication and Quality of Life
If you have single-sided deafness, there are a few ways you can improve communication:
1. Strategic Positioning
You can optimize your hearing by positioning yourself strategically in various environments. For instance, make sure you’re seated with the better-hearing ear facing toward the source of conversation in meetings or social gatherings. This will help you pick up the sounds you want to hear, reduce background sounds, and improve understanding.
2. Use Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive listening devices, such as FM systems, can enhance the signal-to-noise ratio, making it easier to focus on specific sounds or speech in noisy settings. These devices can be particularly beneficial in classrooms, lecture halls, and public venues.
3. Advocate for Personal Needs
Open communication about your hearing challenges can create more understanding and support among peers, family, and coworkers. Advocating for yourself may involve requesting a seating arrangement that helps you hear, discussing optimal communication strategies, or explaining the need for periodic breaks to reduce listening fatigue.
Psychological and Social Considerations
The impact of SSD extends beyond auditory challenges. It can also affect psychological well-being and social interactions. It’s important to reach out for support, whether through counseling, support groups, or from friends and family. Addressing the emotional aspects of single-sided deafness is just as important as managing the physical aspects of hearing loss.
Moving Forward: Life with Single-Sided Deafness
Living with SSD requires adaptation, but it doesn’t have to limit your quality of life. Through the combined efforts of audiological treatments, supportive technologies, personal strategies, and a supportive social network, you can navigate your environment and live life to the fullest.
As awareness and understanding of SSD grow, so do the resources and support available to those affected. Continued advancements in hearing technology and strategies ensure that individuals with single-sided deafness can look forward to a future where they have even more solutions.
Explore Your Options
Single-Sided Deafness presents challenges, but you don’t have to face them alone. Visit us for a comprehensive hearing test and learn more about your hearing needs. Together we’ll explore your treatment options and help you get back to better hearing.
The a comprehensive approach, we’ll help you find the right combination of treatments and adjustments to navigate the world of sound, ensuring that SSD doesn’t define your life.