What Is Single-Sided Hearing Loss?
Single-sided hearing loss, sometimes called unilateral hearing loss, occurs when one ear has significantly poorer hearing than the other. In some cases, one ear may have little to no functional hearing while the other ear hears normally. In other cases, the better-hearing ear may also have some degree of hearing loss.
Because the brain receives less information from one side, everyday listening can become more difficult. You may notice problems hearing speech from your poorer-hearing side, following group conversations, understanding speech in background noise, or knowing where sounds are coming from.
Single-Sided Hearing Loss Treatment Options
Solutions for people with hearing loss in mainly one ear.
Living with hearing loss in one ear can change the way you experience conversations, restaurants, meetings, family gatherings, and even simple moments at home. You may hear well when someone is standing on your better-hearing side, then miss part of the conversation when they move to the other side.
For people with single-sided hearing loss, there are hearing solutions designed to help make sounds easier to access from both sides. Two of the most common options are CROS and BiCROS hearing systems.
Signs You May Be Experiencing Single-Sided Hearing Loss
Imagine sitting at a busy restaurant with friends. You can easily hear the person sitting on your better-hearing side, but someone on the other side asks you a question and you only catch a few words.
You turn your head.
You lean closer.
You ask them to repeat themselves.
Over time, these small adjustments can make conversations feel like work.
People with hearing loss in one ear may also notice that they:
- Prefer sitting with their better-hearing ear toward other people
- Have difficulty hearing in restaurants or crowded rooms
- Miss conversations when someone speaks from the poorer-hearing side
- Turn their head frequently to hear better
- Have trouble locating where a sound is coming from
- Feel tired after long conversations or social situations
CROS Hearing Aids for Single-Sided Hearing Loss
A CROS hearing system is commonly recommended when one ear has little to no functional hearing and the other ear has normal or near-normal hearing. This hearing system uses two small devices, one worn on each ear. The device worn on the poorer-hearing ear contains a microphone that picks up sounds from that side. Those sounds are sent wirelessly to the device worn on the better-hearing ear. This means that if someone speaks from your poorer-hearing side, their voice can be transmitted to the ear that can hear it. Instead of constantly turning your head or repositioning yourself, a CROS hearing system can help you access sounds coming from either side more easily.
How Do CROS Hearing Aids Work?
Think about riding in a car. If your poorer-hearing ear is facing the passenger seat, you may have difficulty understanding the person sitting next to you. A CROS system can pick up their voice on your poorer-hearing side and send it wirelessly to your better ear. The system does not restore hearing in the poorer ear. Instead, it helps route sound to the ear that can process it more effectively. For many people, this can make conversations feel more natural and reduce the effort required to hear throughout the day.
BiCROS Hearing Aids for Hearing Loss in Both Ears
A BiCROS hearing system may be recommended when one ear has little to no functional hearing and the better ear also has some degree of hearing loss. Like a CROS system, the device on the poorer-hearing ear picks up sound and sends it wirelessly to the better-hearing ear. The difference is that the device worn on the better ear is a conventional hearing aid. It receives sound from the poorer-hearing side while also amplifying sounds for the hearing loss in the better ear. This allows a BiCROS system to address both needs at the same time.
CROS vs. BiCROS Hearing Aids
The right option usually depends on how much hearing you have in your better ear.
A CROS hearing system may be recommended when:
- One ear has little to no usable hearing
- The other ear has normal or near-normal hearing
- You frequently miss sounds coming from one side
A BiCROS hearing system may be recommended when:
- One ear has little to no usable hearing
- The better ear also has hearing loss
- You need both sound routing and hearing amplification
A hearing evaluation can help determine which option is more appropriate for your hearing needs.
Benefits of Hearing Aids for Single-Sided Hearing Loss
The goal of treating single-sided hearing loss is not simply to make sounds louder. It is to make everyday communication easier and more comfortable.
A CROS or BiCROS hearing system may help you:
- Hear people speaking from your poorer-hearing side
- Follow conversations more easily
- Feel more comfortable in group settings
- Reduce the need to constantly turn your head
- Stay more engaged at restaurants, meetings, and family gatherings
- Feel less listening fatigue throughout the day
Can Hearing Aids Help With Hearing Loss in One Ear?
In many cases, yes. The right solution depends on the type and degree of hearing loss in each ear. Some people benefit from CROS hearing aids. Others may be better candidates for BiCROS hearing aids or another hearing solution.
The first step is a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Testing allows us to understand how each ear is functioning and recommend options based on your hearing, lifestyle, and communication needs.
Find the Right Single-Sided Hearing Loss Solution at Audibel Hearing Center
If you are experiencing hearing loss in one ear, our team can help you understand your options. We will listen to the challenges you are experiencing, review your hearing test results, and explain whether a CROS, BiCROS, or another hearing solution may be right for you.
Schedule a hearing evaluation or contact our clinic to learn more about hearing aids for single-sided hearing loss and take the next step toward easier everyday listening.
Don’t delay taking care of your hearing. Once your hearing is gone, you can’t get it back. If you’re ready to take your hearing health seriously, schedule an appointment with one of our providers today.
Not quite ready to schedule an in-person appointment? That’s okay. We also offer a FREE online hearing test to help you gauge your hearing health in the comfort of your own home.
